Bendel Insurance head coach, Monday Odigie has admitted that his boys won against a better Akwa United side despite winning the 2022-23 Nigeria Premier Football League opener 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Sunday.
Imade Osarenkhoe scored Insurance’s early goal in the 39th minute after connecting home Divine Nwachukwu’s assist while Ismael Sarki bagged the second goal three minutes later.
Odigie, a former Golden Eaglets coach, opined that they won because Insurance took their chances and were able to repel the Promise Keepers when they mounted pressure on them in the second half.
“The abridged league is a more congested league with the travels to do, if your team is not strong, and prepared for it, it will be difficult to stand it,” Odigie began in a chat after the game in Uyo.
“All the teams in the group are tough. The first game is gone and we must work on the mistakes noticed and wait for stronger opposition as we go.
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“We were able to hold on despite being under pressure for the most part of the game. We had to be strong mentally and physically to play and to absorb pressure. We waited to take your chances too. You don’t go to play big teams strength for strength.
“The result didn’t show the performance on the pitch. The home team was a more mature and experienced side. We have to thank God for the away win.
“Fate smiled on us when we got the goals when we did. Akwa United played better than our team. It was a collective effort. The goalkeeper did his best and his teammates complemented his effort.”
Insurance will be free from action this weekend when the remaining nine Matchday One games are decided in the two groups but will face Plateau United in their first home game in Benin and their second game of the season.