EuroMatch NPFL: Boboye Worried By Bendel Insurance’s Defensive Woes, Targets Third Title

Bendel Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye has expressed concern over his team’s alarming rate of conceding goals
in the 2026/2027 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League ,NPFL, season, Completesports.com reports.

Boboye spoke at the post-match press conference in Benin City on Sunday after his side ended Rivers United’s unbeaten run with a thrilling 2-1 victory at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Freeman Wuchirwe gave the Benin Arsenal the lead in the 48th minute, shortly after the restart, before Rivers United striker Chijioke Mbaoma restored parity in the 73rd minute.

However, just when Finidi George’s men appeared set to secure a point in the South-South derby, Jonathan James struck late to hand Bendel Insurance all three points.

The victory took Bendel Insurance’s goal tally to 16 for the season, while Mbaoma’s strike was the 14th goal they had conceded in 10 league matches.

Boboye admitted that his side’s defensive frailties remained a major source of concern, stressing the need to find a better balance between attack and defence.

“It’s been something that has been very worrisome for us because we cannot be conceding goals in every match we play. Every game we play, we concede,” Boboye lamented.

“I think we should try to make amends to ensure we get a balance in our defence because that has been our problem.

“Of course, it’s a two-way thing. If the strikers don’t score, it’s a problem. If the defenders don’t defend well and concede, it’s also a problem. So, we’ll work on it to get a balance.”

Boboye Confident Of Ending Bendel Insurance’s Title Drought

Despite his concerns over the team’s defensive record, Boboye remains confident that Bendel Insurance can challenge for the NPFL title and secure their third league crown in history.

The Benin-based club last won the league in 1979, having claimed their maiden title in 1972. Their second triumph came in the year the competition was first organised on a home-and-away basis.

Read Also:Euromatch NPFL: Boboye Confident Bendel Insurance Can Halt Rivers United’s Unbeaten Streak

Asked whether his team could end its long wait for another league title, Boboye responded confidently, insisting that the target remained achievable.

“Definitely, it’s doable. It’s very, very possible. It’s just that we need to get something in our next game away to Kwara United. If we get points at Kwara United and come back home and get the points, we’ll be there.

“I know that by the time we get into the top two on the league table, we’ll start looking ahead,” he said.

Away Form Remains a Concern

Bendel Insurance have been impressive at home, turning the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium into a fortress. However, their performances on the road have been disappointing, with the team losing all five of its away matches so far this season.

Boboye attributed the inconsistency partly to the number of new players in the squad but expressed optimism that the team would eventually improve its away form.

“Games can differ. I need to give kudos to the players because we have a new set of players. This is a team that struggled for most of last season. Even in their struggles, they won two or three away games.

“So, it’s not something that is not doable. We’ve just played the 10th game of the league. With time, definitely, we’ll get a win somewhere away from home.

“But all we need to do now is think about our three points at home first. That’s our target,” he explained.

South-South Derby Victory Boosts Title Ambitions

Reflecting on the victory over Rivers United, Boboye said he had anticipated a difficult encounter but understood the importance of securing maximum points against one of the league’s title contenders.

The coach noted that the result could help Bendel Insurance close the gap at the top of the table and strengthen their credentials as potential title challengers.

“We knew that if we could take today’s game, we would have somehow closed the gap at the top. All we needed was to make sure we won and close the gap as one of the teams contesting to win the league.

“To do that, we had to win our home games and think of how to go outside and get points. So, it was in our minds to make sure we won today’s game, and the boys did everything possible to ensure they got the victory,” Boboye concluded.

Bendel Insurance will now turn their attention to their next league fixture against Kwara United, where they will seek to improve their away record and maintain their push for a historic third NPFL title.