NPFL 25: Chinedu Onyejiekwe bags his first ever NPFL goal as Bendel Insurance pips Heartland 1-0 in Benin

Bendel Insurance, Sunday, May 11, 2025, defeated relegation threatened Heartland FC of Owerri 1-0 in the Match Day 37 and their last home match of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2024/25 season.

Chinedu Onyejiekwe scored the only goal of the match in the 50th minute to help the Benin Arsenals finish strong in front of their home fans at the magnificent Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin. It was Chinedu’s first NPFL goal and his debut premier league goal came at the right time when Insurance goal poacher, Kayode was serving out his red card absence. Kayode was shown red in the match against Plateau Utd which has kept him out of action in the two home game fixtures.

Insurance came into the game against Heartland with the confidence from their last home game’s 1-0 victory over Akwa Utd, ending their double home game with victories after they had suffered double home draws.

The visiting team however came out of their shells in the second half of the game with several shots on target but they had Insurance youngest goalkeeper, Joshua Baba, to contend with as his safe gloves denied the warriors their clear chances to get an equalizer.

The Benin Arsenals now have 56 points to move up to the 5th position on the league table, same points with Ikorodu City who are 4th on the table with superior goals difference. Insurance pulled a 1-1 draw with Heartland FC in their first round clash in Owerri.

The Benin Arsenals will be playing their last match of the season against already relegated Lobi Stars in the Match Day 38 fixture in Enugu on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Speaking during the post match interview, the Head Coach of Bendel Insurance FC, Greg Ikhenoba, expressed his appreciation for finishing well in the season that looked difficult for Bendel Insurance in the first round before their turnaround towards the end of the first round. 

“I’m happy we are not among those battling out of relegation. Thank God for the goal and the ability to hold on to it till the end. We will take the last game in Enugu and see what happens. I really appreciate the players and our fans; the supporters club for the support we have got since. They didn’t lose hope; they stood by us throughout,” he said.