NPFL: Shooting Stars force Insurance FC to a 2-2 draw in Ibadan as Imade returns to scoring ways
Insurance FC took the lead with Imade Osarenkhoe opened goal-scoring for the Benin Arsenals within 33 seconds of kick-off, after he capitalized on Shooting Stars' defensive error to put the ball passed Ikechukwu Johnson
By Olusola Adebayo
It was indeed the clash of the Titans at the Lekan Salami stadium, Ibadan as Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin was forced to a 2-2 draw by their week seven hosts Shooting Stars of Ibadan.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week seven fixture involving the two traditional clubs lived up to its expectations, with two quick goals scored by the visitors and swift reactions from the home team in what many fans and sports writers at the Adamasigba arena described as a noisy battle that ended in no victor no vanquished situation at the end of the regulation period of 90 minutes.
Insurance FC took the lead with
Imade Osarenkhoe opening goal-scoring for the Benin Arsenals within 33 seconds of kick-off, after he capitalized on Shooting Stars' defensive error to put the ball passed Ikechukwu Johnson.
The battle raged as the host team tried to find a quick response to the visitor's early attack, but Sarki Ismael doubled the lead for the Benin Arsenals in the 36 minutes of play following another defensive blunder as Insurance FC invaded again through a counter-attack.
The efforts of the home side paid off when Malomo Taofeek replied with a close-range shot to decimate the insurance lead after the visitor's defenders' poor clearance.
The Benin Arsenals went into the dressing room a bit comfortable after half time whistle with a 2-1 lead
On resumption of the second half, Shooting Stars manager Gbenga Ogunbote made double substitutions to add bite to his attack which paid off when Olufemi Opeoluwa scored to level up for the hosts in the 64th minute
with a low drive, sending the crowd of home fans into wild jubilation.
Coach Monday Odigie quickly made some adjustments and brought in big Jide Williams and hard-working Babatunde Ogungbe to stave off the rampaging Shooting strikers.
Insurance FC, despite the stalemate, still maintain the leadership of Group A with 17 points and continued with their unbeaten run in the current abridged league season to the amazement of many bookmakers.
The Benin Arsenals will be playing host to Nasarawa Utd on Wednesday in a week eight engagement at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.
