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By Correspondent in Minna.
The Chief Coach of visiting Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin, Edo State, Kennedy Boboye, has faulted the verdict of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) officials, accusing the referees of exhibiting a high level of bias against his team.
Our correspondent reports that the Saturday encounter between host team, Niger Tornadoes of Minna, and Bendel Insurance, which suffered several hitches and prolonged stoppages, ended after 6 p.m. in a 2–2 draw.
Bendel Insurance dominated proceedings in the first half, taking control of the game from the onset and scoring their opening goal within the first 60 seconds of play.
The visitors doubled their advantage less than ten minutes before the end of the first half, capping off an impressive opening display.
However, the two-goal cushion could not be sustained after the break as Niger Tornadoes regrouped and resisted further pressure from their opponents.
The home side mounted a spirited comeback, pulling one goal back about 30 minutes into the game before netting the equaliser less than 20 minutes into the second half.
Speaking to members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) shortly after the match, Boboye expressed concern over the referees’ deliberate bias against his players.
He described the officiating as unprofessional, alleging that some referees compromised standards for pecuniary reasons, a development he said does not augur well for Nigerian football.
“We all watched the game, and it is also on record. Bendel Insurance played against the referees, not against the opponent.
“I can say nothing more than this. We all saw what happened, the officiating officials acted against the rules of the game in favour of the host team,”Boboye said.
In a swift reaction, Niger Tornadoes’ Chief Coach, Mohammed Majin, dismissed the allegations of favoritism, describing them as unfounded.
Majin, whose side had previously secured a goalless draw away to Bayelsa United, said his team simply re-strategized and fought back in the second half to earn a deserved 2–2 draw.
Meanwhile, the match atmosphere reportedly turned hostile in the second half as supporters of the home team became unruly.
They threw stones, sachets and bottled water, as well as other objects, into the pitch, particularly after Bendel Insurance scored their first and second goals there by heightening tension inside the stadium.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
