Bendel Insurance FC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, and the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, have praised the players and technical crew of the Benin Arsenals following their dramatic 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes in Sunday's Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 12 fixture.

Bendel Insurance came from behind to claim all three points at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, with a stoppage-time winner completing an impressive comeback against the visitors.

Niger Tornadoes took the lead in the 36th minute through Aliyu Muhammad, who converted a penalty. However, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Muhammad was sent off shortly before the final whistle following a series of hard tackles.

Bendel Insurance capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Jonathan James equalising in the third minute of first-half added time (45+3) before John Taiwo scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute plus five (90+5) to seal the victory.

The result lifted the Benin Arsenals to second position on the NPFL table with 21 points.

Speaking after the match, Tenebe, whose presence at the stadium provided a morale boost for the players, commended the team's determination and ability to overcome a difficult challenge.

Describing the encounter as exciting, the club chairman said the players displayed the character and self-belief needed to achieve success.

"It was an exciting game, and our boys really showed strong character. That's what we want to see. We must always believe in ourselves. Self-belief played a big part in this difficult game.

"Our opponents came well prepared, but thank God we prevailed in the end.

"It was an opportunity for me to demonstrate that leadership means standing with the team, sharing in its struggles and celebrating its successes. We will continue to encourage and motivate the boys because our aim is to finish at the top and win the league," he said.

Enabulele also reaffirmed the Edo State Government's commitment to supporting football development and helping Bendel Insurance achieve greater success.

The Sports Commission chairman expressed satisfaction with the hard-fought victory, describing the team's performance as a demonstration of courage and determination.

"I am happy that we finally secured all three points. It wasn't an easy game for us. I must commend the team for their fighting spirit. I salute their courage," he said.

Meanwhile, Tenebe has rewarded 200 loyal supporters with new Bendel Insurance jerseys in appreciation of their unwavering support for the club.

Ten of the fans received their jerseys during Sunday's match, while the distribution exercise is expected to continue at the club's next home fixture.

In a further gesture to recognise the supporters' commitment, the club chairman also sponsored 200 match tickets, allowing the beneficiaries to watch Bendel Insurance play free of charge.

The initiatives highlight the club's efforts to strengthen its relationship with supporters and encourage greater fan and community participation as Bendel Insurance continue their pursuit of the NPFL title.