NPFL: Insurance pip 3SC to secure first win

A stoppage-time goal by Michael Enaruna handed former champions Bendel Insurance their first win of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season, a 1-0 win over traditional rivals 3SC of Ibadan in a rescheduled week three game at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Wednesday, The PUNCH reports.

The game was Insurance’s second at home this season, having played a goalless draw in their season opener against 10-man Rivers United last month.

They suffered a defeat on the road against Katsina United and were forced to a 1-1 draw on Sunday by Niger Tornadoes in Minna.

With two draws and one defeat in the first three games, Monday Odigie’s side were condemned to turn their fortunes around at home, and Enaruna snatched the win deep into the second half added time to break the hearts of their visitors, who were on the cusp of running away with another point on the road.

In another rescheduled week three game decided on Wednesday, nine-time champions Enyimba also needed a late goal to secure a 1-0 win over Akwa United in Aba.

Second-half substitute Austin Onyemaechi grabbed the goal in the 74th minute to hand the league record-champions their third win of the season in four games.

Enyimba have moved up to third in the league table with nine points from three matches, one point behind second-placed Rivers United and three points behind leaders Remo Stars.

Insurance, on the other hand, are now 10th with five points after four games.

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