Bendel Insurance Turn Deficit Into Derby Win Over Warri Wolves

Bendel Insurance came from behind to beat Warri Wolves 2-1 in a fiercely contested Bendel derby at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Sunday, August 30, opening the 2026/27 NPFL season with a hard-fought local rivalry win.

How Bendel Insurance Won

Warri Wolves struck first through Eventus Itolowo in the fifth minute, putting the visitors ahead early and Bendel Insurance under pressure in front of their own supporters. The hosts responded before the half-hour mark, with Kayode Oke converting a penalty in the 20th minute to level the score at 1-1.

Bendel Insurance then completed the turnaround shortly after the restart, with Alex Oweilayefa scoring in the 47th minute to put the Benin-based side ahead. Insurance held on from there to secure a 2-1 win and three points from a physical derby encounter.

What This Result Means

For Bendel Insurance, winning a derby after going behind early is a strong psychological start to the season and a boost for a squad that includes Alex Oweifaleya, the League Bloggers’ Best Young Player award winner from last season. For Warri Wolves, taking an early lead in a local derby only to lose is a frustrating way to open the campaign, and they will look to bounce back quickly in matchday 2.

Club Profiles

For more background on both clubs heading into the new season, see our Bendel Insurance club profile and Warri Wolves club profile in the NPFL Team Hub. See also our Warri Wolves season preview.

Match details via Africa Top Sports and Bold Sports.

FAQ: Bendel Insurance vs Warri Wolves

What was the final score between Bendel Insurance and Warri Wolves?
Bendel Insurance won 2-1 in the Bendel derby, played on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Who scored for Bendel Insurance and Warri Wolves?
Eventus Itolowo put Warri Wolves ahead in the fifth minute. Kayode Oke equalised from the penalty spot for Bendel Insurance in the 20th minute, before Alex Oweilayefa scored the winner in the 47th minute.

Is this considered a derby fixture?
Yes, Bendel Insurance and Warri Wolves are both based in Nigeria’s South-South region, and their meetings are regarded as a Bendel-area derby.

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Sources: Africa Top Sports, Bold Sports.