Kennedy Boboye finally secured his first victory as Bendel Insurance manager on Saturday, ending a 33-day wait since taking charge of the Benin club on 21 October. The hard-fought 3-2 win over bottom-placed Kano Pillars came in dramatic fashion at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Boboye, who had endured four matches without a win, watched animatedly from the touchline as his side claimed all three points in a tense encounter. His opposite number, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, was also chasing a first victory since his own appointment, but the outcome left Kano Pillars anchored to the foot of the table.
Bendel Insurance started brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute through Kayode Oke. The early advantage added to the woes of the visiting side, who have struggled to make any meaningful impact this season.
However, the match turned sharply before the interval. Rabiu Ali equalised from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, and Chiedozie Okorie struck four minutes later to hand Kano Pillars a surprise lead despite the heavy rain that had left the pitch in soggy condition. The home supporters were stunned as the hosts went into the break trailing.
After the restart, Bendel Insurance dominated possession as the weather improved. Their pressure paid off 15 minutes from time when Emmanuel Dung fired in from close range to make it 2-2.
Kano Pillars, unsettled after several defensive substitutions including the withdrawal of Ali, struggled to maintain their shape. Bendel Insurance completed their comeback two minutes from time when Emmanuel Akpan beat his marker on the left and sent in a cross that was diverted into the net by a Kano Pillars defender for an own goal.
The reaction from the Kano Pillars players and bench told the story of another disappointing outing, leaving them firmly at the bottom of the standings. Bendel Insurance climbed out of the bottom two but remain close to the relegation zone.
Matchday 13 continues on Sunday and Monday, with eight fixtures scheduled. The game between Shooting Stars Sports Club and Remo Stars has been postponed due to the stadium being used for the PDP convention.
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