Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin took a step forward in their fight for survival in the Nigeria Premier Football League as they forced Akwa United to a 1-1 draw in Uyo.

The Benin Arsenals looked good enough to snatch all three points at the expense of struggling Akwa United, but Chijioke Alaekwe put the hosts in front in the 16th minute of play through a deflected free kick.

The celebration of Chijioke’s 16th-minute goal lasted only fourteen minutes, as the Promise Keepers suffered a similar fate. Insurance right-back Stanley Okorom’s free kick from outside the box brought Insurance back into the game, making it 1-1 before halftime, eventually helping them take a step out of the relegation zone.

The second half of the game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium did not produce any goal.

Recall that Bendel Insurance FC, on Match Day 15 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, defeated Plateau United 2-1.

The Benin Arsenals will again play away from home in their next fixture as they travel to face Heartland FC on Match Day 17 at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Sunday.

The Head Coach of Bendel Insurance, Greg Ikhenoba, said he was happy to grab the important away point but admitted that his players were wasteful in the match.

“Half a loaf is better than none. We had enough opportunities to take the game beyond the reach of our hosts, but we couldn’t convert the chances we created.

The game was open, and it would have been the best opportunity for us to move out of the red zone, but I thank God we got something out of it. Our focus now is on Heartland FC, who are our next opponents. We will continue to work hard, and we will get better,” he said.