Bendel Insurance became the first team to be eliminated from the title race of this season’s Nigeria Premier League after losing 1-2 to Rivers United 0-2 on Matchday 4 of the championship playoff involving six teams.
Insurance were considered one of the favourites to challenge for the title after going through the 18-match group phase without losing a match.
But were not up to the challenge as they demonstrated by the results of playing goalless with Lobi Stars on Matchday 1 and having 1-1 outcomes with Sunshine Stars and Enyimba thereafter.
Morice Chukwu struck three minutes into added time of the first half to shoot Rivers ahead, while Joseph Onoja made victory certain in the 90th minute.
Five minute into added time in the second half, Divine Nwachukwu reduced the tally for the Benin Arsenal, who may miss out of the top 3 – and continental competitions – unless they win their last match against Remo Stars on Sunday, or win the Federation Cup.
The result leaves Rivers United with a huge advantage of defending their titles after eight points from four games.
Other matches of the day: Lobi Stars v Remo Stars (4:30 pm), Sunshine Stars v Enyimba (7 pm)
