Bendel Insurance handed Rivers United their first defeat of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. The Benin Arsenal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory in Benin City on Sunday, October 25. Jonathan James scored the decisive goal in stoppage time to settle the Matchday 10 encounter, Bold Sports reports.
Rivers United entered the fixture unbeaten after nine league matches. Their previous outing ended in a goalless draw against Barau FC. They had recorded four wins and five draws before Sunday’s defeat. Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance had beaten Barau FC 4-1 earlier in October, ending the visitors’ unbeaten start at the time. That result demonstrated the hosts’ ability to trouble teams enjoying strong runs.
Wuchirwe breaks the deadlock after the restart
The contest remained goalless throughout the first half. However, Bendel Insurance found their breakthrough three minutes after the interval.
Freeman Wuchirwe put the hosts ahead in the 48th minute. His goal gave the Benin side an important advantage against the previously unbeaten league leaders.
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Rivers United responded as they searched for an equaliser. Their persistence eventually paid off with 17 minutes remaining.
Chijioke Mbaoma restored parity for the Port Harcourt club. His goal brought the visitors back into the contest and appeared to put them on course for another valuable result.
However, Bendel Insurance refused to settle for a draw. The hosts continued pushing for a decisive breakthrough as the match approached its conclusion.
Jonathan James delivers the decisive blow
The game produced its defining moment in stoppage time. Jonathan James struck late to secure a 2-1 victory for Bendel Insurance.
His decisive intervention denied Rivers United another opportunity to extend their unbeaten league campaign. It also rewarded the hosts for their persistence in a closely contested encounter.
The result represents a significant setback for Rivers United. Their impressive start had established them among the leading contenders in the NPFL title race. However, Bendel Insurance have now demonstrated that the league leaders can be beaten.
What the result means for both teams
Bendel Insurance will take confidence from defeating one of the league’s strongest early performers. Their earlier 4-1 victory over Barau FC had already highlighted their potential at home.
For Rivers United, attention now turns to their response after suffering their first league defeat of the campaign. Their previous defensive consistency had helped them remain unbeaten through nine matches.
The 2-1 result gives Bendel Insurance all three points and ends Rivers United’s unbeaten run. It also adds another important result to the developing 2026/27 NPFL campaign.
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