Bendel Insurance and Rangers International played out a 1-1 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia in Benin City in a Matchday 17 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Saturday.
Coming off back-to-back wins, Bendel Insurance were looking to make it three wins on the spin to ensure they stay far above the drop zone.
However, it was visiting Rangers International that had the better moments of the early exchanges.
Rangers winger Chimobi Igwilo proved a handful for the defence of the home side with his darting and dribbling runs while at the other end, half chances fell to Kayode Oke, Elmer Arunta and Chinedu Nwosu.
The first period ended goalless.
The second 45 minutes produced end-to-end display and the breakthrough goal did not come until the 81st minute when Promise Anyanwu put the Benin Arsenals in front.
Oke anticipated a flicked pass well and peeled off his marker, leaving him one-on-one with Rangers goalkeeper George Abine who blocked his initial attempt.
The Bendel Insurance striker was fortunate as the ball bubbled back onto his feet and he centered it to a better-positioned Anyanwu who simply knocked the ball into an empty net.
Kennedy Boboye’s side looked like they would run away 1-0 winners and claim a third straight win before Chidozie Iwundu offered a route back into the game for Rangers.
In the final moments of added time, Iwundu’s free kick from all of 35 yards was turned into his own net by Henry Onyia and that ensured that Rangers took a point back with them from Benin City.
The draw takes Rangers’ total points to 26 and they keep their place in fourth while Bendel Insurance move one place up to 14th on the standings.
Matchday 17 continues on Sunday and Monday with nine matches that would involve the top-three Nasarawa United, Rivers United and Ikorodu City.