Bendel Insurance grabbed a crucial 1–0 victory over Katsina United on Monday in their Nigeria Premier Football League clash, taking full advantage of their opponents’ disrupted preparations and sluggish performance.

Katsina United, temporarily based at the Yekini Rashidi Mainbowl in Ilorin, never found their rhythm. Hours before kickoff, several players protested over unpaid wages, and head coach Azeez Mohammed was forced into an unusual lineup, leaving regular starters Azeez Falolu, Uche Collins, and Friday Christopher on the bench.

Insurance came flying out of the blocks, dominating the opening 15 minutes. However, they failed to convert their early pressure. Kayode Oke squandered two big chances, while Chinedu Nwosu fired straight at the goalkeeper after a brilliant through ball from Anthony Nnamdi. Henry Onyia’s trademark long throws also unsettled the Katsina defence, but the hosts held on until halftime.

Mohammed introduced Falolu, Collins, and Christopher after the break, but Katsina United still struggled to impose themselves. Insurance boss Kennedy Boboye then made a decisive change, replacing the wasteful Oke with Elmer Arunta. The substitution paid off almost instantly, just seven minutes after coming on, Arunta connected superbly with an Emmanuel Dung assist to fire home the winner.

The game lost its spark afterward, though Insurance had opportunities to extend their lead. Still, the lone strike was enough to secure their first away win of the season, lifting them out of the relegation zone and into 15th place with 19 points.

Meanwhile, in Lafia, Nasarawa United edged Shooting Stars 1–0 thanks to a 65th-minute goal from Moyi Hassan, reclaiming top spot at the end of Matchday 16.