The Nest of Champions was as silent as a graveyard as newly-promoted Nigeria Premier Football League side Bendel Insurance defeated Akwa United in the opening match of the season.
Two quick goals from Imade Osehenkoe and Ismael Seriki ensured all three points and a clean sheet for the away side as they recorded a surprise victory over the former league champions.
Bendel Insurance didn’t dominate the game, especially in terms of possession but they looked more threatening in front of goal as they recorded 4 shots of target as opposed to Akwa United’s 3.
While reacting to the match, Bendel Insurance coach, Monday Odigie said: “NPFL is a big and tough league. Irrespective of the result in our favour, we are going back to work on our weakness and strengthen the boys mentally. Akwa Utd were more tactical and experienced. Fate just smiled on us”
Akwa United coach Deji Ayeni admitted his team mad a lot of mistakes and he also added that the loss is a wake-up call to the team: ” We made a lot of mistakes and the god of soccer was not on our side. First home game loss is a wake up call. We were better in the second half but the damage was already done in the first half. No team is invincible”
Akwa United will take on 8-time champions Enyimba in thie next match while Bendek Insurance wil host Plateau United.
