Kwara boss rues defeat to Insurance

Kwara United coach Tunde Sanni expressed disappointment following his side’s 3-1 loss to Bendel Insurance in their Nigeria Premier Football League Week 13 encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin on Saturday.

Sanni admitted his team did not perform to their usual standards against the Benin Arsenal, describing the defeat as “a bad day in the office.”

“We didn’t play our normal game today. Kwara United play better than this. We just lost concentration; if not, we cannot lose heavily like this. Since the season began, we have hardly conceded two goals, let alone three,” Sanni lamented in his post-match interview.

The Ilorin-based team had started brightly, dictating the pace of the game, but they were undone by defensive lapses. Insurance forward Nazir Mohammed opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a well-taken strike, though Kwara United equalised five minutes later through Emmanuel Ugwu’s defensive error. Mohammed restored the hosts’ lead just before halftime with a scrappy finish.

Despite dominating possession for stretches of the second half, Kwara United were unable to find the equaliser. Their hopes were dashed in the 85th minute when Insurance veteran Austin Ogunye headed home to seal the win for the Benin Arsenal.

Speaking after the game, Bendel Insurance’s interim coach, Greg Ikhenoba, praised his players for the result, particularly given the challenges surrounding the team following the resignation of long-time head coach Monday Odigie. However, Ikhenoba rued the team’s missed opportunities in front of goal.

“We are still a work in progress, and we will continue to improve, especially in our finishing. Playing under these circumstances is not easy, but I commend the boys for their resilience,” Ikhenoba said.

The win lifts Bendel Insurance’s spirits after a turbulent period, while Kwara United will look to regroup ahead of their next match as they aim to bounce back from the defeat.