Bendel Insurance returned to winning ways with a 2–1 victory over Kun Khalifat in their Nigeria Premier Football League clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The hosts responded strongly after their defeat to Rivers United FC in their previous outing, taking an early lead to settle nerves in front of their home supporters.
Insurance struck in the fifth minute when Kun Khalifat goalkeeper Ejiogu Chijioke fumbled a routine save, allowing Emmanuel Akpan to capitalise and score the opening goal.
The early breakthrough lifted the hosts, who continued to dominate possession and test the visitors with quick passing moves.
Their pressure paid off just before the interval. In the 41st minute, Emmanuel Dung set up a well-worked attack before laying the ball off for Kayode Oke, who finished calmly to double the advantage.
Kun Khalifat responded after the restart and reduced the deficit in the 52nd minute when Lekan Gabriel found the net to make it 2–1.
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The goal gave the visitors renewed belief and set up a tense final period, but Bendel Insurance held firm defensively to protect their lead.
The result moves Insurance to 44 points from 30 matches as they continue their push for a top-half finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
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Kun Khalifat remain in the relegation zone in 18th place with 32 points from the same number of matches, leaving them with work to do as the season approaches its closing stages.
