Shooting Stars SC earned a valuable away point after holding Bendel Insurance to a 1-1 draw in a fiercely contested Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 2 clash in Benin City.
The Olúyọ̀lé Warriors made a blistering start when Ayodele Ismail latched onto a clever assist from Tijani Kabir and finished smartly inside the opening five minutes.
But Insurance responded quickly. Just seven minutes later, Alex Oweilayefa rose highest in the box to head home the equaliser, sending the home fans into raptures.
Alex Oweilayefa celebrating his equaliser for Bendel Insurance. Photo Credit: Skyunit Photography
The rest of the first half produced end-to-end action. Shooting Stars captain Ghali Falke made a crucial clearance off the line to deny Insurance a second goal and ensure both sides went into the break level.
Head coach Nurudeen Aweroro rang the changes to keep his side competitive. Mustapha “Black Spider” Lawal, back from CHAN Eagles duty, made his first start of the season in goal.
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At halftime, Utin was replaced by Okon, and on 55 minutes Ismail and Adebayo Abayomi made way for Ayobami Junior and Chidiebere Nnachi. The changes injected fresh energy, but Insurance’s backline stood firm.
Photo Credit: Skyunit Photography
Insurance pressed hard in the closing stages, looking to snatch all three points. But Shooting Stars goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal justified his nickname with two outstanding saves in the 89th and 92nd minutes, frustrating the hosts and sealing a hard-earned draw for the visitors.
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The result leaves Shooting Stars still without a win this season after losing to Bayelsa United 0-1 on match day one. Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, were left to rue missed chances in front of their home crowd.
