Mid-table NPFL Battle Ends in Late Drama as Bendel Insurance and Plateau United Share Spoils
In a tense Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 31 fixture, Bendel Insurance and Plateau United played out a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Sunday. The result leaves both teams cemented in the middle of the 20-team table, with the encounter defined by two quickfire second-half goals.
The hosts, Bendel Insurance, opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Alex Oweilayefa. Plateau United, responding before the break, equalised four minutes before halftime via Monday Gideon. The momentum continued into the second period; Kayode Oke restored Bendel’s lead in the 59th minute from the penalty spot. However, Plateau United earned a point of their own deep in stoppage time, converting a penalty to secure a share of the spoils.
The draw maintains Bendel Insurance in seventh position, while Plateau United remains just one place behind in eighth. Both sides are now firmly entrenched in a congested mid-table cluster, with few chances of moving into the top four or facing a relegation battle.
Kwara United Edge Nasarawa in Late Lagos Victory
In the other notable NPFL result, Kwara United secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nasarawa United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos. The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Abdulsalam Abdulsalam converted a penalty to snatch the three points for the home team.
The win does little to alter Kwara United’s position in the lower half of the standings, as they continue to battle for stability ahead of the season’s end. For Nasarawa United, the late defeat is a significant setback to their aspirations of climbing the league table, distancing them from the pack challenging for a top-half finish.
These matchday 31 results underscore the competitive balance within the NPFL, where narrow margins often determine outcomes. With the season progressing, mid-table security remains the immediate focus for both Bendel Insurance and Plateau United, while Nasarawa United must regroup quickly to salvage their campaign. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for all involved teams as they seek to finalise their positions in the league table.
