Bendel Insurance FC have booked their place in the final of the 2025 Bayelsa Preseason Football Tournament after a commanding 3–0 victory over Bayelsa United U-20 at the Samson Siasia Stadium on Friday.
Isaac Omijie, in red-hot form, opened the scoring for the Benin Arsenals in the 15th minute his third goal in as many matches in the tournament. The young Bayelsa side showed resilience, holding the scoreline until halftime despite Insurance’s attacking dominance.
A tactical reshuffle by coach Greg Ikhenoba early in the second half paid dividends, as Adewale Adebayo’s fine delivery from the right was met and buried in the 64th minute to double the lead. Seven minutes later, substitute Elmer Arunta pounced on a fumble from the Bayelsa goalkeeper to seal the win with his first touch.
Insurance FC have now won all three of their matches in the competition, scoring nine goals without conceding. They will face Warri Wolves who defeated Bayelsa United’s main team 2–0 in the other semi-final in Saturday’s final at 4 p.m.
The Benin Arsenals also reached the final in 2024 but narrowly lost to Bayelsa United in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
