Bendel Insurance were denied maximum points at home on Sunday after Rangers International scored a stoppage-time equaliser to force a 1–1 draw in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The first half ended goalless, with Insurance enjoying greater possession and territorial control, while Rangers threatened intermittently on the flanks. The Benin side’s defence, marshalled by captain Efe Enabulele alongside Promise Itoro and Chigozie Dennis, kept the visitors at bay.
Insurance made tactical changes after the break, with coach Kennedy Boboye introducing Austin Osayande for Elmer Arunta, before a double substitution in the 65th minute brought on Promise Anyanwu and Jacob John.
The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when substitute Anyanwu finished clinically after Kayode Oke recovered from a blocked effort to deliver a low cross that split the Rangers backline.
However, Rangers salvaged a point in the 93rd minute when Chidozie Iwundu’s powerful free kick took a deflection off Henry Oyian and beat the goalkeeper.
The draw halted Insurance’s recent momentum following a 1–0 away win over Katsina United and a 3–0 home victory against Wikki Tourists. Bendel Insurance now sit 14th on the NPFL table with 20 points.
They will travel to Abeokuta to face defending champions Remo Stars on Matchday 18 at the MKO Abiola Stadium on December 21.
The result also means Insurance have managed just one win in their last six NPFL meetings with Rangers (two draws, four losses).
Speaking after the match, Boboye lamented missed chances and the team’s struggles in front of goal, but vowed to keep pushing for a stronger league position before the end of the first stanza.
