Bendel Insurance Defeat Akwa United After Return To NPFL

Newly promoted Bendel Insurance FC of Benin City stunned Akwa United 2-0 in the season opener of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Akwa United, the 2020/21 champions, hosted the visiting team on Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Imade Osehenkhoe scored the first goal of the campaign and put the visitors in front in the 37th minute, having received a superb timed pass from Divine Nwachukwu.

Just four minutes later, Insurance doubled the lead as Ismail Sarki was the fastest to latch on to a pinball in the final third.

The home team, Promise Keepers, however, fought back in the second half but couldn't carve open the rock-solid defence of visiting Insurance.

This victory is Insurance's first top-flight win since they were relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in 2019.

The remaining matchday one fixtures will be played next weekend.