Ayeni Laments Defensive Lapses As Enyimba Fall To Insurance In Benin

Enyimba FC’s hopes of picking up a positive result on the road suffered a setback on Saturday as the nine-time champions went down 2–0 to Bendel Insurance in their NPFL Matchday 24 encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

Goals in either half from Alex Oweillayefa and Efe Ubioma proved decisive for the hosts, despite a spirited second-half response from the People’s Elephant that promised a potential comeback.

Insurance struck first in the 27th minute through Oweillayefa, capitalising on a deflected free kick to take  a lead into the break.

 

Enyimba, however, returned for the second half with renewed purpose, dominating possession and pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser.

Their improved display after the interval created pressure and half chances, but profligacy in front of goal came back to haunt them. Against the run of play, Insurance doubled their advantage in the 77th minute when Ubioma punished their defensive error to seal the points for the Benin Arsenal.

Speaking after the game, Enyimba head coach Deji Ayeni admitted that defensive mistakes undermined his side’s second-half effort, while also praising his players’ response after the restart.

“Firstly, I must give it to the boys. They came out in the second half with a positive mindset to search for the equaliser, but the home side capitalised on our mistakes at the back,” Ayeni said.

“But that is football for you. Sometimes you get it right and sometimes you don’t. I congratulate Insurance for taking their chances.”

The Enyimba gaffer noted that while his team controlled large spells of the second half, failure to convert opportunities and lapses in concentration ultimately decided the contest.

“We dominated possession after the interval, but we failed to make it count. We will head home and work on our frailties with focus on returning to winning ways in our next game,” he added.

Enyimba will now turn their attention to their next fixture as they return to Aba, where they will host Ikorodu City at the Enyimba International Stadium on Sunday, aiming to bounce back and reignite their push up the NPFL table.