Alex Oweifaleya scores hat trick as Bendel Insurance pulverise Ikorodu City FC
Bendel Insurance FC delivered a statement performance on Sunday, dismantling visiting Ikorodu City 4–0 in a Matchday 28 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League to reclaim their place among the league’s top six.
The emphatic victory was inspired by a scintillating display from young striker Alex Oweifaleya, who announced his arrival on the big stage with his first-ever NPFL hat-trick. Eager to respond after returning empty-handed from Nasarawa United in their previous outing, the Benin Arsenals came out with purpose and intensity.
Oweifaleya set the tone in the 15th minute, opening the scoring with a confident finish that lifted both team and supporters. Nine minutes later, mercurial midfielder Udom Wisdom doubled the advantage with a well-taken effort, before Oweifaleya struck again in the 27th minute to make it 3–0 and put the contest firmly beyond the Lagos side before the interval.
The hosts went into the halftime break brimming with confidence, exacting sweet revenge on Ikorodu City, who had edged them 1–0 in the reverse fixture in Lagos earlier in the season.
Ikorodu City returned from the break with renewed energy and enjoyed more of the ball, but Insurance remained disciplined and resolute, shutting down every promising move as they protected their advantage.
Oweifaleya then put the icing on the cake in the 59th minute, completing his hat-trick with a superb finish to seal a comprehensive 4–0 win — the club’s biggest victory of the season.
Team captain Efe Enabulele revealed after the match that the players dedicated the resounding win to Technical Manager Kennedy Boboye as a birthday gift, making the occasion even more special for the Benin outfit.
The victory lifts Bendel Insurance back to sixth place on the NPFL table with 41 points. They will be on the road next week for a Matchday 29 clash against Rivers United.
In his post-match reaction, Boboye praised his players for their efficiency in front of goal, while admitting the overall performance still left room for improvement.
“We didn’t play entirely to my satisfaction, but we got the result we wanted,” he said. “Ikorodu City played very well, moved the ball around and created moments, but they were unlucky not to score. I’m happy my players took their chances brilliantly.”
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