Chinedu Nwosu Strike Gives Bendel Insurance 1-0 Win Over Abia Warriors in NPFL clash

Bendel Insurance returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors in their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 34 clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday.

Chinedu Nwosu proved to be the difference-maker, netting the decisive goal in the 62nd minute to hand the Benin Arsenals a crucial three points in their push for a continental ticket . The 18-year-old forward’s strike came two minutes after the hour mark, breaking the resilience of a disciplined Abia Warriors defence.

The win marked a strong response from Kennedy Boboye’s side, who had struggled in recent outings, ending a three-game winless streak in the NPFL . Bendel Insurance had recorded just one point from their previous two matches, including a 2-2 draw against Plateau United and a heavy 4-0 defeat to Kano Pillars.

The first half ended goalless as the visitors kept it tight at the back, hoping to secure at least a point on the road . Despite Bendel Insurance dominating proceedings in the opening period, they failed to find a way past Abia Warriors’ resolute defence before Nwosu’s second-half breakthrough.

The result strengthened Bendel Insurance’s bid for a continental qualification spot as the season nears its conclusion. The Benin-based club now sits seventh in the league table with 49 points, keeping their hopes alive for a top-four finish . Before the encounter, Abia Warriors occupied fourth position with 52 points, while Bendel Insurance sat seventh with 46 points.

Abia Warriors, despite the defeat, retain their fourth-place position on the log with 52 points, though the loss narrows their margin for error in the final fixtures . The Umuahia outfit had entered the match fresh from a gritty triumph over Bayelsa United, with confidence steaming in their veins, but ultimately could not overcome the home side.

Amid recent disciplinary concerns following incidents in their Matchday 32 fixture against Plateau United, the Benin-based side showed resilience and focus, even as the match was played behind closed doors . The club’s management had previously apologised to the NPFL and the Nigeria Referee Association while cautioning head coach Kennedy Boboye against a repeat of such actions . Supporters had been told to stay away from the venue as the club began a three-match sanction without fans at their home ground.

The result also shifts the head-to-head momentum between both sides. Their last meeting in November 2025 ended goalless, while Abia Warriors had previously secured a 1-0 away win in Benin earlier in the campaign . In their last five encounters, Abia Warriors had claimed victory twice, Bendel Insurance triumphed once, while two ended in barren draws.

The Abia Warriors duo of Maxwell Kangeshima and Ayodele Ezekiel were doubtful for the trip to Benin City and their absence may have affected the visitors’ attacking options.

With four matches remaining to the end of the season, the race to secure continental spots remains wide open . Bendel Insurance will look to build on this momentum in their next fixture, while Abia Warriors must regroup quickly to keep their continental aspirations on track as the NPFL season approaches its decisive stages.