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Bendel Insurance of Benin marked their return to the elite league with a steely performance that earned them all three points on the road at Akwa United on Sunday, but a surprised coach Monday Odigie said the result was not a true reflection of the action on the pitch and described Akwa United as the better side in the game.
Goals from Imade Osarenkhoe and Divine Nwachukwu in the 40th and 44th minutes sealed victory for the Edo Arsenal on the opening day of the NPFL season.
Responding to questions at the post-match conference, Odigie said, “I am happy we won but the truth is that we were lucky to have taken our chances.
“Akwa United have experience players, their game plan was better, which explains why we were always under pressure,” Odigie said.
He however commended his players for the emotional and psychological strength to withstand the pressure.
“When we played in the pre-season tournament in Lagos, we didn’t do well and took the lessons back for correction.
“We needed to build their psychological strength and mental conditioning to play in the top league, where you have tough clubs like Akwa United, Enyimba and Plateau United. It worked in this match but we are not there yet, there’s a lot more to do,” Odigie stated.
When told of the heroics of goalkeeper Anas Obasogie, who thwarted Akwa United’s efforts at goal, Odigie attributed the win to team work.
He said, “You can see everyone contributed to the defence of the goal, it was not the goalkeeper alone but I acknowledge his contribution also.”
It was a result that sent the home fans to quietly to the exit of the stadium, after Akwa United failed to make the six minutes added time count.