Warri Wolves, Bendel Insurance settle for draw in Benin By: Julian Ajunwa
Warri Wolves continued their majestic run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), after holding Bendel Insurance to a 1-1 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Saturday.
The hosts took the lead in the 9th minute following a well worked free kick that ended with Alex Oweilayefa firing past the Wolves goalkeeper Vincent Edafe.
The visitors, the team with the most away points so far in the league this season piled the pressure and were rewarded when Othuke Egbo smashed in a free kick in the 41st minute to draw the Seasiders level. Both teams went in search of the winner in the second half, but, in the end, they shared the spoils.
In his post match reaction, Insurance coach and two time league winner, Kennedy Boboye says his team must improve and bring in new players if they want to avoid relegation.
”If we want to remain in the league, we must win games, especially here at home, we have to also improve our away form.
”It is also clear that we need new players, we can’t get that until the mid season window, so, for now, I have to work with these players, I will push them as far as I can so we can get positive results before the next transfer window opens”.
On the penalty incident, Boboye says his team were denied a clear penalty.
”Everyone who saw it knew it was a clear penalty, but, the referee is human, such mistakes can happen at this level. If we converted the many chances that came our way, it would have been a different result, we need to be more clinical if we want to stay in the league.
Meanwhile, Warri Wolves interim coach, Johnny Austin says he was pleased with his players performance to come away with the crucial point.
”Away games are always difficult in the league, we came here with a plan, I thank the players for playing to instructions, that was key to getting the draw in the game.
On the team’s chances of winning the league, Austin is optimistic that at the end of the season, Wolves can be champions.
”The league is tough, any team can win it, we believe we can also win it, but, firstly, it’s about stability, the moment we achieve that, then we can talk about competing to win the league.
Bendel Insurance are 18th on the log with only 8 points from 10 games, while Warri Wolves moved into second place with 18 points from 11 games, a point behind table toppers, Nasarawa United .
Bendel Insurance will next face Rivers United in a rescheduled Match Day 9 fixture in Benin on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, while Warri Wolves will come face to face against Ikorodu City at the Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro next Sunday, November 9th, 2025.
