Late drama unfolded in Benin City on Saturday evening as Bendel Insurance and Rangers International of Enugu played out a 1–1 draw in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
What had been a tense and evenly contested fixture burst into life in the closing stages.
Bendel Insurance thought they had secured all three points when they broke the deadlock in the 81st minute, only for Rangers to snatch a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time.
After a goalless first half, Rangers approached the second half with a cautious approach but remained dangerous on the counter, particularly down the left flank.
However, he Insurance defence—marshalled by captain Efe Enabulele alongside Promise Itoro and Chigozie Dennis—stood firm to frustrate the Flying Antelopes.
Bendel Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye made tactical changes to swing the game in his favour, introducing Austin Osayande for Elmer Arunta early in the second half.
Further substitutions followed in the 65th minute, with Promise Anyanwu and Jacob John replacing Emmanuel Dung and Emmanuel Akpan as the intensity of the contest increased.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 81st minute through substitute Promise Anyanwu.
Kayode Oke’s incisive cross on that path of Anyawu was calmly finished by the payer, beating the Rangers backline to the first ball.
Just as the home supporters prepared to celebrate another maximum points haul, Rangers struck back in the 93rd minute.
Chidozie Iwundu’s powerful free-kick took a deflection off Henry Oyian, sending the goalkeeper on the wrong and ensuring the visitors left Benin with a share of the spoils.
The late setback halted the momentum of the Benin Arsenal, who had returned from Ilorin earlier in the week with a 1–0 away win over Katsina United, following a commanding 3–0 home victory against Wikki Tourists on Matchday 15.
Bendel Insurance now sit 14th on the NPFL table with 20 points.
They will travel to Abeokuta to face defending champions Remo Stars of Ikenne in their Matchday 18 fixture at the MKO Abiola Stadium on December 21.
The result also extends Insurance’s poor recent run against Rangers, with just one win recorded in their last six NPFL meetings (two draws, four losses).
Speaking at the post-match media conference, Coach Kennedy Boboye lamented his side’s missed chances and expressed concern over their profligacy in front of goal.
He, however, vowed to keep pushing as he targets a more comfortable league position before the end of the first stanza of the season.
Other fixtures on Matcday 17
Barau FC vs 3SC
Kun Khalifat FC vs Abia Warriors
Bayelsa United vs Remo Stars
Enyimba vs Kwara United
Warri Wolves vs Kano Pillars
Niger Tornadoes vs El-Kanemi Warriors
Plateau United vs Nasarawa United
Rivers United vs Wikki Tourists
Ikorodu City vs Katsina United
 Matchday 17 encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.){kind=link}