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It becomes the first time this season the Benin Arsenals failed to win a game in Group A this season.
For the first time in the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Bendel Insurance failed to win a game, playing out a 0-0 draw with Gombe United.
The fixture, the first of 10 of game week six of the 2023 NPFL season became the first time that the Benin Arsenals also failed to score a goal this season.
A day before the goalless encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Insurance's duo of Monday Odigie and Imade Osarenkhoe were named by the League Bloggers Awards as the NPFL player and manager of the month for January.
The game which saw special visits from Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro and former coach Austine Eguavoen also saw a minute silence held in honour of Kingsley Nnaemeka Eneogwe, an assistant referee who had died in a car accident after officiating Nasarawa United vs Plateau United last Wednesday.
Gombe United hold Bendel Insurance
The visitors started the game on the brighter side as a quick exchange between Umar Ahmad and Chidi Ernest almost gave them an early lead, but Amas Obasogie was alert to prevent such.
The Gombe club came forward again but Gimba Ajiji's scissors kick was well off the goal.
The second half, as much of the first, was devoid of clear-cut chances, although Bendel Insurance did try to break the game on a couple of occasions.
Odigie's side had their best opportunity of the game in the 72nd minute as Divine Nwachukwu's mazy run and eventual pass found a free Osarenkhoe, however, the league's leading scorer blasted his attempt off target.
One final opportunity for Insurance came by in the final minutes of the game but Austin Ogunye like every other who had missed chances hit his ball inches off target.
Insurance to remain first despite draw
Despite the draw, Benin Insurance will remain at the top of the league table, having gotten 16 points from a possible 18.
For Gombe United, the score line sees them pick up their fourth draw in six games, and extend their unbeaten streak to four matches.
In game week seven, Gombe United will travel to Jos to face Plateau United, while Insurance will head to Aba to take on record Nigerian champions, Enyimba.
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