NPFL gameweek 13: Five takeaways from Bendel Insurance 1-0 victory against Sunshine Stars 

Bendel Insurance were at home to Sunshine Stars of Akure on matchday 13 of the NPFL on Saturday.

Insurance made sure they made no mistakes in claiming all three points from today's encounter courtesy of Benjamin Tanimu's first half penalty which saw out a much needed 1-0 win.

Sunshine Stars who are now thirteenth on the league table after today's 1-0 loss to Bendel Insurance, were recently headlined by the media after they were attacked by unknown gunmen on their way to Benin City with their curator reportedly hospitalized after being shot by the miscreants.

Here are five takeaways from Bendel Insurance's meeting with Sunshine Stars" 

1. Amas Obasogie Masterclass 

Much needn't be said about the Super Eagles newbie as he was absolutely exceptional and nothing short of world class in today's meeting with Sunshine Stars. 

The 23-year-old was a fantastic last line of defense for Bendel Insurance and was instrumental in his sides victory making a big save in the first half to prevent Sunshine Stars from getting an almost immediate equaliser.

Obasogie organised his defense pretty well for most of the game and commanded his backline professionally against incoming set pieces.

2. Benjamin Tanimu's defensive prowess 

The Nigeria U23 international was as solid as a rock for Bendel Insurance. He scored the only goal of the game from the spot and served as a temporary cover for the right-back Akobundu who received a booking in the closing stages. 

His aerial ability was remarkably a joy to watch as the 21-year-old foiled every bit of Sunshine Stars' attacking efforts from the air.

There is no doubting his quality as he is certainly one of the league's best defenders as well as a national team asset.

3. Lack of Spectators

Over the years, the NPFL stadiums have lacked the cheer and aura of adoring fans and today was yet another one of those matchdays as the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium was considerably scanty, with journalists and a few fans being the only individuals present for today's game.

4. Both sides lacked a ruthless finisher

The game was keenly contested as both teams showed determination until the final minute of the ninety. Particularly, Sunshine Stars executed some scintillating wing play but failed to make them count as they lacked a finisher. 

The exact same could be said about Bendel Insurance, as they showed decent defensive compactness but had their guard let down by the forwards who failed to make the most of the diagonal long balls served on a platter by the centre-backs throughout the entirety of today's game.

5. Questionable officiating

Officiating in the Nigerian top-flight is always something questionable and today's game was absolutely no exception, with viewing fans and players of both teams questioning the absurd decisions of the referee at some intervals in the game.

Ejim Kaycee

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