Bendel Insurance Seal Dramatic Comeback as Boboye Claims First Victory

Bendel Insurance produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Kano Pillars 3–2 on Saturday, giving new head coach Kennedy Boboye his first win and easing some pressure at the bottom of the NPFL table. The Matchday 13 clash at the rain-soaked Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium delivered tension, momentum swings, and a morale-boosting finish for the home crowd.

Insurance started strongly and took the lead in the 17th minute when Kayode Oke finished off a flowing move. But Kano Pillars responded before halftime, turning the game around with two goals in quick succession. Captain Rabiu Ali converted a penalty in the 34th minute to level the score, and four minutes later, Chiedozie Okorie fired in the second to send the visitors into the break with a 2–1 advantage.

Facing another setback in a difficult season, Boboye introduced fresh legs after the restart, and his substitutions injected urgency into the team’s play. Insurance pushed forward relentlessly in the final half-hour and found their breakthrough in the 77th minute when Emmanuel Dung struck a superb equaliser from outside the box.

The decisive moment arrived late. In the 88th minute, Emmanuel Akpan stayed composed inside the area to slot home the winner, completing the turnaround and sending supporters into loud celebration despite the downpour.

A visibly emotional Boboye praised his squad and supporters for standing by the team during tough times, saying he was “relieved and delighted with this victory… the players, fans, and supporters deserve credit. This win is for them.” He also highlighted the progress of younger players, noting that academy graduate Dominion Osaghae made the matchday list through impressive training displays, adding that more chances will come.

The win lifts Bendel Insurance to 17th place with 12 points, offering renewed hope as Boboye works to steer the team away from relegation trouble.