By Daniel Oriloye - Edo State based side, Bendel Insurance defeated Doma United in a beautiful encounter to emerge as deserved winners of the Nigeria National League 2022 season.
The team who have already gained promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League with 49 points, arrived in Bayelsa with full confidence emerge as the champions.
Bendel Insurance took the lead in the first half courtesy of Austin Ogunye’s header from Julius Emiloju’s beautiful cross in the 38th minute of the game.
Bendel issuance were equalled in the second half after a miscommunication in the 18-yard box.
Being the favourites going into the final match of the tournament having beaten the host, Bayelsa United 1-0 and drew El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 in the first and second matches respectively, continued pressing their opponents harder and had a series of chances to get back into the lead.
Coach Monday Odigie changed his formation to scatter the defensive plan of a stubborn Doma United when he brought in Ebenezer Odeyemi into the second half of the encounter and turned out to be a thorn in the flesh of the Savanna Tigers’ defence with constant runs and full attacks in the final third.
Divine Nwachukwu picked up a wonderful pass from Maurice Prince in the opponents’ half, ran through the left wing and crossed into the box to connect an advancing Ebenezer up. The strong forward didn’t miss his target as his fine shot went in straight to the back of the net to send the Benin Arsenal and supporters into a wild jubilation.
Insurance kept the lead with further attacks on their opponents to get the win until the centre referee signalled the end of the match.
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