Jonathan James strikes in the 90th minute as Benin Arsenal secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Pride of Rivers in NPFL Matchday 10 clash.
Bendel Insurance brought Rivers United’s unbeaten run in the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season to an end on Sunday, claiming a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Substitute Jonathan James emerged as the match-winner, scoring in the 90th minute to hand the Benin Arsenal all three points after a fiercely contested encounter.
Freeman Wuchirwe opened the scoring for the hosts shortly after the restart, but Chijioke Oboama restored parity for Rivers United in the 82nd minute. Just when the visitors appeared to have secured a share of the spoils, James struck late to seal a memorable victory for Bendel Insurance.
The first half produced several scoring opportunities, although neither side managed to find the back of the net.
Bendel Insurance threatened early, with Lekan Gabriel making a timely clearance in the 25th minute to deny the hosts. Two minutes later, Alex Oweilayefa tested Rivers United goalkeeper Clinton Andy, who was equal to the task.
Oweilayefa squandered another opportunity in the 32nd minute, firing wide, before Andy produced another important save in the 37th minute, diverting Fatai Abdullahi’s close-range effort onto the post.
The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes into the second half when Wuchirwe unleashed a long-range effort that Andy failed to hold, allowing the ball to cross the goal line.
Bendel Insurance continued to press for a second goal, with Kayode Oke coming close in the 54th minute after unleashing another long-range strike.
Insurance coach Kennedy Boboye introduced James and Suraju Lawal in the 66th minute, replacing Emmanuel Dung and Oke in a move that immediately injected fresh energy into the home side’s attack.
The substitutions almost paid off three minutes later when Lawal unleashed a powerful effort, following a pass from James, only for his shot to crash against the woodwork.
Rivers United, however, refused to give up and found an equaliser in the 82nd minute. Oboama capitalised on a defensive error to beat Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Joseph Oryia and level the score at 1-1.
With the game heading towards a draw, Bendel Insurance pushed forward in search of a winner, determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s stalemate between the sides.
Their persistence paid off in the 90th minute when James converted Oweilayefa’s assist to spark celebrations among the home supporters and condemn Rivers United to their first defeat of the campaign.
Speaking after the match, Rivers United coach Finidi George acknowledged that his side’s unbeaten run was bound to end at some point.
“I knew we would certainly lose and the unbeaten run would end somewhere. It finally ended here in Benin,” George said.
“The boys did very well, and I must praise Insurance players for their fighting spirit.”
On his part, Bendel Insurance coach Kennedy Boboye praised his players’ performance and expressed confidence in the team’s continued improvement.
“We will keep pushing. Nothing is impossible. The league is still fresh. We are going to Kwara next weekend, we will see what happens. I am happy, we are getting better,” Boboye said.
The victory takes Bendel Insurance to 15 points from nine matches, with a game in hand against Rangers International of Enugu.
The Benin-based side will now turn their attention to next weekend’s trip to Ilorin, where they are scheduled to face Kwara United as they look to build on their impressive home victory.
