Bendel Insurance FC returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on the weekend, brushing aside former CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC 2–0 in their Matchday 25 clash of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season in Benin.

Goals from Alex Oweilayefa and teenage substitute Efe Ubiomo sealed a well-earned victory for the Benin Arsenals, who had gone three matches without a win before this morale-boosting performance against the People’s Elephant.

Insurance took the lead in the 26th minute when Oweilayefa struck to crown a dominant spell by the hosts. They held the slim advantage into the break, but not without a fight from the visitors, who showed flashes of their pedigree despite trailing.

Enyimba emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and took control of the midfield, piling pressure on the Insurance backline in search of an equaliser. Their best chance came in the 56th minute, but goalkeeper Emmanuel Ofori stood firm, producing a crucial save to deny the Aba giants.

The turning point came when Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye made a decisive tactical switch, introducing Nnamdi Anthony to steady the midfield and 16-year-old striker Efe Ubiomo to lead the line. The changes paid immediate dividends as Insurance regained control of proceedings.

With 11 minutes left on the clock, Ubiomo announced himself in style. The young forward unleashed a stunning strike from about 25 yards to beat the Enyimba goalkeeper and put the result beyond doubt, sending the home fans into celebration.

The victory lifted Bendel Insurance from eighth to sixth on the NPFL table with 37 points, while Enyimba, who started the day in 12th place, were left to rue missed opportunities.

Insurance will now turn their attention to a challenging double away assignment against Bayelsa United and Nasarawa United in Matchdays 26 and 27 respectively.

Speaking after the game, coach Boboye praised his players for their resilience and ability to respond under pressure.

“We lost concentration towards the end of the first half and at the start of the second half, and Enyimba took advantage of that in midfield,” he said. “We were lucky not to concede, but I’m pleased with how the team reorganised and saw out the game.”

Boboye also reserved special praise for Ubiomo, who marked his debut goal with a spectacular finish against one of Nigeria’s biggest clubs.

“He’s only 16, and to score such a goal against Enyimba shows his potential. I’m very happy for him.”

On the upcoming away fixtures, the Insurance boss remained confident.

“We take every game as it comes. Home or away doesn’t bother us. Sometimes we even play better on the road, and we’ll continue to push.”

Enyimba head coach Deji Ayeni, on his part, acknowledged the hosts’ superiority on the day.

“Bendel Insurance deserved the win,” he said. “After their first goal, I asked my players to come out in the second half and fight for an equaliser. We created chances but couldn’t convert them. They play aggressive football and are difficult to handle. The tactics worked against Nasarawa United, and it almost worked today, but not quite.”

For Bendel Insurance, the victory not only ends a brief winless run but also reaffirms their growing ambition as the NPFL season gathers momentum.