Bendel Insurance 3-1 Crown FC | Nigeria Cup | June 1, 2026

Bendel Insurance produced a dominant performance to defeat Crown FC 3-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The win keeps the Benin Arsenal firmly in contention for a place in the Nigeria Cup knockout stages.

First-Half Blitz

Bendel Insurance took control early. Imade Osarenkhoe opened the scoring in the 8th minute, slotting home after a neat one-two with Uche Onwuasonya. The lead was doubled in the 28th minute when Abubakar Bala headed in from a corner. Crown FC looked shell-shocked but pulled one back just before halftime through a penalty converted by Sani Abdullahi after a handball in the box.

Second-Half Control

Insurance restored their two-goal cushion in the 56th minute. Osarenkhoe turned provider, crossing for Victor Mudiaga to fire home from close range. The home side then managed the game effectively, with goalkeeper Amas Obasogie making a fine save to keep out a header from Crown's Chukwuebuka Nwaiwu in the 72nd minute.

Standout Performers

• Imade Osarenkhoe: One goal and one assist, a constant threat down the right.
• Victor Mudiaga: Energetic midfield display capped with a goal.
• Amas Obasogie: Crucial saves to keep Crown at bay.

Table Impact

The victory moves Bendel Insurance to second in their group with four points, while Crown FC remain bottom without a point after two matches. Insurance's next fixture against group leaders Bida Lions will be pivotal in deciding who advances.