- Enyimba ends a long winless streak against Bendel Insurance with a 2-1 victory in a spirited contest at home
- Heartland appoints Kennedy Boboye as the new head coach, replacing Christian Obi due to the team’s poor performance
Defending champions Enyimba ended their winless streak against Bendel Insurance with a 2-1 victory in the rescheduled MatchDay 1 fixture of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League.
Enyimba, who hadn’t defeated Insurance since a 3-1 win in 2008, claimed all three points in a spirited contest at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
The hosts initiated the game with intensity, dominating proceedings, but failed to secure the much-needed goal in the first half. Despite several incursions at the start of the second half, Enyimba faced resilient defense from the ‘Benin Arsenal.’
In the 56th minute, Finidi George made tactical changes, altering the game’s dynamics and resulting in the opening goal by Joseph Atule in the 70th minute. However, Insurance quickly equalized five minutes later through Ismael Seriki.
Undeterred, Enyimba continued their dominance, maintaining 65% possession and registering 6 shots on target. Their efforts paid off in the 80th minute when Mbaoma Chijioke’s cutback found the net, securing a 2-1 victory.
In other news, Heartland has appointed Kennedy Boboye as their new head coach, succeeding Christian Obi, who was dismissed due to the team’s poor start to the season. The Owerri club is yet to secure a win in the NPFL this season after nine outings. The club announced the coaching change via a statement on its official handle.