Bendel Insurance returned to the NPFL after three years with a 0-2 victory away to Akwa United in a group A fixture at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state on Sunday.
The South-South Derby game which welcomed high dignitaries for its opening ceremony, saw the home side off to a high intense start.
Bendel Insurance then found their foot into the game with former Uniben and HiFL star, Imade Osehenkhoe.
The Higher institution football League (HiFL) product Imade Osarenkhoe, scored the first goal of the new season after meeting a cross from the edge of the box from his teammate in the 35th minute as Bendel Insurance took a shock lead.
The Edo based club then doubled their advantage nine minutes later with former Wikki Tourist player Ismael Seriki’s scoring on his league debut for Bendel Insurance.
Bendel Insurance defended brilliantly in the second half to hold the scoreline at 0-2 and made a winning return into the NPFL since their relegation in 2019.
Defeat for Akwa United means they have now lost their first game in consecutive Abridged League season after losing on matchday one to El-Kanemi Warriors 0-1 in 2017.
The last time Bendel Insurance a victory in the NPFL was a 1-0 win over Sunshine Stars from Junior Osaghae’s goal on matchday 21 of the 2018/2019 NPFL season.
With the victory, the two-time Nigeria Premier League champions Bendel Insurance are now top of group A with three points while Akwa United will remain button ahead of Matchday one continuation next weekend.
