Bendel Insurance moved into second place in the Euromatch-NPFL standings after John Taiwo struck in the 95th minute to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Niger Tornadoes on Matchday 12.
The Benin Arsenal looked set to drop points after falling behind in the 34th minute, but Jonathan James restored parity deep into first-half stoppage time before Taiwo delivered the decisive moment five minutes into added time at the end of the match.
The result secured a valuable three points for Bendel Insurance, taking their tally to 21 from 12 matches and extending their remarkable start to the campaign without a single draw.
Niger Tornadoes had taken the initiative in the contest when they converted a penalty in the 34th minute to move ahead. The visitors carried that advantage towards the interval, but Insurance found a response through Jonathan James, who struck in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time to send both sides into the break level at 1-1.
With the contest finely balanced after the restart, both teams remained in search of a decisive breakthrough. It was Insurance, however, who found the winning moment when John Taiwo scored in the 95th minute, sparking celebrations as the hosts completed their comeback.
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The late goal proved particularly significant for the Benin City side, whose victory lifted them to second in the table with seven wins and five defeats from their opening 12 matches.
Their latest success is also their third victory in the last five NPFL matches, further underlining their ability to collect important points as the season develops.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Insurance’s campaign remains their refusal to settle for a share of the points. They are currently the only team in the league yet to record a draw, with their 12 matches producing seven victories and five defeats.
The late defeat was a setback after they had moved in front through the first half penalty. The Ikon Allah Boys remain 10th with 16 points from 12 matches, having recorded four wins, four draws and four defeats.
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While Insurance celebrate a climb into the top two, the result leaves Tornadoes with work to do as they seek greater consistency in the league.
However, for the Benin Arsenal, Taiwo’s stoppage time intervention has delivered more than just another victory. It has reinforced their position among the leading contenders and preserved one of the most unusual records of the 2026/27 NPFL campaign.
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