By Obaseki Anthony in Benin on December 23, 2019

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, added colour to the game as he featured for his darling club, Bendel Insurance, on Saturday in a week five Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL) clash with visiting Stationery Stores of Lagos.

Shaibu, who celebrated his 50th birthday on December 1, didn’t look his age as his moves and accurate passes received spectators’ applause. The Edo number two citizen, who is the Chairman of the Benin Arsenal – as Insurance are fondly called – came in for Sarki Ishmael in the 83rd minute as the homers romped to a 2-0 victory on Saturday evening at the University of Benin Sports Complex.

Insurance defence strongman Daniel Johnson converted a penalty kick in the 40th minute of play to give the hosts the lead. The centre referee awarded the spot kick after Kingsley Onovo’s goal-bound shot was blocked with hand by a Stores defender in the box.

The Benin Arsenal would have been two goals up before half time but the match officials’ inaccurate judgment ruled out Imade Osarenkhoe’s supposed opening goal in the 32 minutes of play.

The lanky striker’s long range volley hit the goal-bar to the ground across the goal-line but the center referee and Assistant remained indifferent.

The Benin Arsenal tall striker’s effort was rewarded again undeniably this time when he tipped the ball beyond the reach of Stores keeper who had no remedy to the trouble. The 57 minute strike from Imade made it two unreplied goals for the Benin landlords.

The 2-0 victory has pushed Insurance to the top of the Group B table on 10 points to overthrow Crown FC who were not in action at the weekend.

In a post-match interview, the assistant coach of Insurance, Greg Ikhenoba, expressed satisfaction with the result.

“Victory is sweet! We thank God for the victory and hope that our boys will continue to improve on the game.

“It is good to win and this will specially boost our confidence ahead of Crown FC clash after the holiday,” Ikhenoba said.

Insurance began their Christmas break immediately after the victory. According to the team Technical Adviser, Bernard Ogbe, the players are expected to resume January 3, 2020 ahead of January 10 NNL resumption date.

Insurance are scheduled to meet Crown next when the league resumes on January 10 after Christmas holiday which began yesterday, Sunday, December 22.

•PHOTO: Bendel Insurance motivator, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 23, 2019

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