Kwara United’s head coach, Tunde Sanni, expressed his disappointment following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Bendel Insurance during their Nigeria Premier Football League Week 13 match at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin. In his post-match comments, Sanni acknowledged that his team fell well below their usual performance levels, labeling the calamity as “a bad day in the office.” He emphasized that his players simply lost their concentration, leading to an unusually heavy loss that wasn’t representative of the team, which had shown solid defensive form in previous matches this season. Sanni’s reflections were marked by a sense of disbelief given that they had rarely conceded more than two goals in their prior outings.
The match began with promise for Kwara United, as they initially took control of the game and dictated the tempo. However, their positive start was undermined by poor defensive organization that allowed Bendel Insurance to capitalize. The home team struck first with forward Nazir Mohammed finding the net in the 18th minute with a well-placed shot. Still, Kwara United managed to level the score shortly after when Insurance’s defenders failed to clear a dangerous ball, leading to an equalizer from Emmanuel Ugwu through a defensive error. Despite this temporary resurgence, Kwara’s momentum was halted just before halftime when Mohammed scored again with an opportunistic, scrappy goal that restored the hosts’ advantage.
The second half saw Kwara United dominating possession and creating several goal-scoring opportunities as they sought to equalize. However, their attempts were thwarted by missed chances, as they struggled to convert their possession into meaningful threats on goal. Bendel Insurance’s defensive unit held firm, absorbing the pressure while looking to hit back on counters. The tactical battle unfolded with Kwara United pushing forward, but their defensive lapses continued to haunt them, and they were unable to find the breakthrough they desperately needed.
The match took a decisive turn in the 85th minute when veteran Insurance player Austin Ogunye scored with a powerful header, sealing the victory for Bendel Insurance and sending the stadium into a fervor. This late goal not only confirmed Kwara United’s defeat but also underscored the hosts’ ability to capitalize on set-pieces—a crucial aspect of the game that has caused the Ilorin-based team issues throughout the match. The home team’s ability to stay organized and exploit gaps left by Kwara United was a testament to their tactical awareness and execution under pressure.
Following the match, Bendel Insurance’s interim coach, Greg Ikhenoba, expressed pride in his players for their resilience amidst a challenging period for the team. The squad had been unsettled by the recent resignation of their long-time coach Monday Odigie, and their performance demonstrated unity and determination in the face of adversity. However, Ikhenoba recognized that while they secured a commendable win, there were still areas for improvement, particularly in their finishing, as the team continues to refine its attacking play. He acknowledged the need for growth, indicating that this result marks a step forward for the team.
Looking ahead, Kwara United’s coaching staff will need to regroup and reflect on the lessons learned from the loss as they prepare for their next match. This defeat provides an opportunity for self-assessment and strategic adjustment, especially concerning their defensive organization and the ability to maintain focus throughout the match. The team aims to bounce back and regain its footing in the league, as they have the talent and potential to deliver performances aligned with their capabilities. Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance is likely to seize the momentum from their recent win, building on this success to drive further improvement in their coming fixtures.
