Bendel Insurance head coach Jolomi Ali has expressed disappointment over his team’s 1-0 away defeat to Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday Two clash at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday. The Benin Arsenals, despite dominating possession and creating multiple scoring chances, were unable to convert any of their opportunities, ultimately falling to Sam Pam’s decisive 55th-minute goal. Ali believes the result was harsh on his side, especially considering their consistent performances in previous matches at the same venue.
The match saw Bendel Insurance press hard throughout, with several clear-cut chances going begging due to poor finishing. Despite their efforts, the team failed to find the back of the net, leaving them frustrated after what could have been a valuable point or even three. Coach Ali acknowledged that Nasarawa United are a strong side and that the game presented its challenges, but he emphasized that the inability to capitalize on chances cost them dearly.
“In football, you must take your chances,” Ali said after the match. “We created a lot of opportunities, but couldn’t convert any of them. It’s really unlucky for us not to get something positive out of this ground, especially after many games here.” He added that while the result is disappointing, the team remains focused on improvement ahead of their next fixture.
Bendel Insurance will return home to face Kun Khalifat FC at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City this weekend. The upcoming match offers the Benin-based club a chance to bounce back and regain momentum in the NPFL season. Ali stressed the importance of correcting mistakes from the Lafia encounter and preparing thoroughly for the home game.
Kennedy Boboye’s side will be eager to turn around their form after the narrow loss, as they aim to climb the league table. The team’s performance against Nasarawa United highlighted both their attacking potential and defensive resilience, though finishing remained a concern. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the squad can translate their dominance into goals in the coming fixtures.
As the NPFL season progresses, Bendel Insurance will need consistency and clinical finishing to remain competitive. Their next outing against Kun Khalifat presents a crucial opportunity to build confidence and secure their first win of the campaign.
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