Bendel Insurance’s Chief Coach, Greg Ikhenoba, hailed his team’s tactical adjustments as the key to their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 25 clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Midfielder Isaac Annor scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, lifting the Benin Arsenals out of the relegation zone. The win takes Insurance to 20 points, moving them up to 16th place on the league table.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Ikhenoba credited the team’s second-half substitutions for turning the tide in their favor.

“I give God the glory in all that I do, and I thank Him for this victory. It was very important for us to get the three points, and I am happy the boys delivered,” Ikhenoba said.

Acknowledging Lobi Stars’ physical style of play, Ikhenoba explained the rationale behind introducing Oronsaye and Ajiboye in the second half.

“We expected a difficult game because I know Lobi players are physical. I made a double substitution to bring in Oronsaye and Ajiboye, and thank God our tactical switch worked,” he added.

With this crucial win, Bendel Insurance now shifts focus to their upcoming fixture against Enyimba in Aba on December 29. Coach Ikhenoba expressed confidence in his team’s ability to recover fully and make a stronger push in the league’s second half.