Kennedy Boboye’s long wait for a first victory as Bendel Insurance manager finally ended on Saturday evening, as the Benin Arsenal mounted a spirited comeback to defeat Kano Pillars in a rain-drenched thriller at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

The NPFL title-winning coach had gone four matches without a win since taking charge, picking up draws against Kun Khalifat, Warri Wolves, and Rivers United, along with an away defeat to Plateau United. But under the stormy Benin skies, his side rose to the occasion when it mattered most, grinding out three priceless points.

Insurance struck first in the 17th minute through Kayode Oke, who coolly buried his effort into the bottom-left corner to lift the home fans. Moments later, torrential rain transformed the pitch into a swampy battlefield, forcing both teams to fight the elements as much as each other.

The conditions soon tilted in Pillars’ favour. In the 34th minute, a chaotic sequence in the box saw Rabiu Ali and Izu Azuka fouled in quick succession, prompting referee Ajino Chineme to award a penalty. Veteran star Rabiu Ali stepped up and converted with trademark composure, even as goalkeeper Joshua Baba dived the right way.

Four minutes later, Kano Pillars completed the turnaround. Chiedozie Okorie unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the area, his first goal of the season, firing into the top corner to stun the Benin crowd.

At halftime, Boboye responded with bold changes. Nnamdi Anthony and Israel Emmanuel replaced Promise Itoro and Kevin Akinmola to restore control in midfield, and Insurance’s momentum grew.

Their pressure paid off in the 75th minute when Emmanuel Dung found a pocket of space and calmly slotted past Mohammed Galadinma to bring the game to 2–2. The hosts pushed on, sensing vulnerability.

The breakthrough arrived in the 88th minute. Akpan Emmanuel, one of Boboye’s recent signings, danced his way into the box and whipped in a dangerous cross that deflected off a Pillars defender and trickled into the net, sealing a dramatic comeback victory.

The hard-earned win lifts Bendel Insurance to 17th on the NPFL table and hands Boboye his first triumph at the helm, one the fans will remember for a long time.