The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City was the scene of a thrilling encounter on matchday four of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season. Bendel Insurance, playing on their home turf, finally secured their first victory of the campaign, edging out Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in a dramatic fashion. The match, which remained goalless for nearly the entirety of regulation and stoppage time, was ultimately decided by a late surge from the home side, culminating in a decisive header by substitute Israel Emmanuel in the dying embers of the game.
The opening exchanges of the match showcased a determined Bendel Insurance side eager to break their winless streak. Their early pressure yielded a corner in the 11th minute, but the Tornadoes’ defense held firm. Niger Tornadoes, however, were not merely passive participants. They created some promising opportunities of their own, with Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi and Terdoo Shimagande combining effectively in the 19th minute, only to be denied by Insurance goalkeeper Bamidele Adeniyi. The remainder of the first half witnessed a balanced contest, with Insurance favoring attacks down the flanks while Tornadoes sought opportunities on the counter. Sarki Ismail came closest to breaking the deadlock for Niger Tornadoes in the 35th minute but fired his shot over the bar. As the half progressed, the game became increasingly physical, highlighted by a yellow card issued to Tornadoes captain Sunday Akinmoladun for a robust challenge.
The second half mirrored the first in terms of its competitive nature. Both teams fashioned half-chances but lacked the necessary cutting edge in the final third. Bendel Insurance came agonizingly close to scoring on several occasions, only to be thwarted by a combination of resolute defending and missed opportunities. The tension reached palpable levels as the game entered its final stages. Niger Tornadoes’ Akinmoladun made a crucial goal-line clearance in the 83rd minute to deny what looked like a certain goal for Insurance. Tornadoes goalkeeper Ifeanyi Nchekwube also played a vital role, repelling a barrage of dangerous deliveries as Insurance intensified their pressure. With time running out and the match seemingly destined for a goalless draw, the intensity amplified, leading to more robust tackles and a yellow card for Tornadoes captain Abba Khalid for time-wasting in the 88th minute.
As the fourth official indicated six minutes of added time, a sense of anticipation filled the stadium. The home crowd roared in support, urging their team forward. In the 93rd minute, their persistence finally paid dividends. A free-kick was delivered into the Tornadoes’ penalty area, and substitute Israel Emmanuel rose highest to connect with a powerful header, sending the ball past a helpless Nchekwube and igniting wild celebrations among the Insurance faithful.
The late winner provided immense relief and jubilation for Bendel Insurance, ending their early-season struggles and injecting much-needed confidence into the squad. For Niger Tornadoes, it was a bitter pill to swallow, having defended resolutely for the majority of the match only to concede in the dying moments. The victory offers a significant boost for Insurance coach Raymond Ikhenoba, whose team had previously recorded two draws and a loss in their opening three games. They will now look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next challenge against nine-time champions Enyimba.
The match provided a stark contrast in emotions for the two sides. While Bendel Insurance celebrated a hard-fought victory, Niger Tornadoes were left to rue their late lapse in concentration. Despite the disappointing outcome, Tornadoes can take some positives from their performance, particularly their defensive resilience for much of the game. They will aim to bounce back in their upcoming home fixture against Ikorodu City, carrying with them the lessons learned from this narrow defeat.
The clash between Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes epitomized the unpredictable nature of the Nigeria Premier Football League. It was a game of fine margins, ultimately decided by a moment of brilliance and determination. The late goal underscored the importance of perseverance and the impact substitutes can have on a match. For Bendel Insurance, the victory marked a turning point in their season, providing a platform for future success. For Niger Tornadoes, it served as a harsh reminder of the cruel realities of football, where a momentary lapse can undo the hard work of an entire match. Both teams will now look ahead to their next fixtures, aiming to build upon their experiences in this enthralling encounter.
