Bendel Insurance of Benin stunned former Champions Akwa United with a 2-0 win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday in the 2022/23 Season Opener.
Insurance returned to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after three years, seven months and 19 days.
Imade Osehenkhoe and Sarki Ismael scored respectively in the 38th and 41st minute of the first half to give Bendel Insurance a 2-0 lead at half-time.
Bendel Insurance played with determination in the second half and were able to defend their 2-0 lead but were also unable to hit the back of the net.
Akwa United came back into the second half and subsequently launched multiple attempts towards the Insurance’s goal including two close efforts by Moses Effiong and Ubong Friday, but were unable to find the target.
There was no goal in the second half but the two first half goals were enough to hand Bendel Insurance, who are returning to the top flight league for the first time since 2019, the maximum three points.
