The first goal scorer of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season – Imade Osehenkhoe has expressed his long-held desire to play for an European team, particularly Arsenal.
In an exclusive interview with Footballrover, the 22-year-old made this claim and added that, as a staunch Arsenal supporter, his next ambition is to sign with the North London side.
In the opening game of the 2022β2023 NPFL season at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium in Uyo, Bendel Insurance of Benin City stunned former champions – Akwa United 2-0.
Imade Osarenkhoe scored the game’s opening goal to hush the home crowd before Ismael Seriki grabbed the game’s winning goal to give the NPFL returnees the maximum three points.
In a match full of talking points, the hosts failed to find back of the net while Bendel Insurance took their chances and secured the victory after final whistle.
Divine Nwachukwu and Imade Osehenkhoe‘s exquisite combination resulted in the opening goal of the 2023 NPFL season, giving the visiting Insurance team the lead.
With his 39th minute goal, Imade became the first player to score in the 2022/2023 NPFL campaign.
After being spurred into action by the first goal, the home team promptly fought back and applied pressure to Insurance’s defense in an attempt to level the scores.
However, it was their opponents who increased the lead to 2-0 before the interval. Ismael Seriki scored after goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah was unable to deal with a corner kick well.
On the restart, Akwa United gave the Coach Monday Odigie-trained team their all in an effort to at least earn a point, but Insurance held firm to secure the victory.
Sweet Victory at the Nest of Champions.
The last time we recorded a victory in the NPFL was a 1-0 win over Sunshine Stars from Junior Osaghae's goal on matchday 21 of the 2018/2019 NPFL season.
It's a historic moment and a sweet time to be an Insurance fan.#AKWBEN#NPFL23 pic.twitter.com/qGe695vh2R
— Bendel Insurance FC (@BendelInsurance) January 8, 2023
While speaking to Footballrover, Imade Osehenkhoe said;
“The goal didn’t change anything I was grateful I was able to write my name in Nigeria league history book.”
When asked of his personal goals and targets this season he said;
“The personal goals this season is to help my team the best way I can to remain in the top flight League.”
Black Bullet, where did that name emanate from and why do they call you that?
“The name Black Bullet was giving to me by my fellow students at the University of Benin, I like shooting a lot during games, so the fans nicknamed me Blackbullet and since then it has been a household name.“
Your opener against Akwa United, was that the easiest goal you’ve ever scored?
“No goal is easy, the pace and power with the sliding didn’t make the goal easy at all.”
There are suggestions that you were completely offside before the goal, how would you react to that?
“Different people will react but who has the final say was the referee and the linesman. They saw me beat the offside track and that alone is okay for me.“
ICYMI:
Porous net? Not a problem. Hereβs the first goal of the #NPFL23 season by @BendelInsuranceβs Imade OsehenkhoePS: Akwa United lost 2-0 at home (π₯: YouTube/Bendel Insurance) pic.twitter.com/go4jSzjOxi
— Jidechi Chidiezie 4 Peter Obi (@Jidechi_) January 9, 2023
What was the atmosphere like in Akwa Ibom?
“The atmosphere was filled with tension and it was the first game, everybody wanted to give their best.”
How does it feel playing during your University days at Uniben and moving to the NPFL ?
“This is not my first NPFL game, I joined Bendel Insurance in 2019 when they first gained promotion to the top flight. I was outstanding by his grace and that made me to be noticed by top clubs like Enyimba, Rivers United and Kano Pillars then but I didnβt go, I stayed with my club till the other year. I left to Lobi Stars, issues with clearance came and I had to come back to Insurance.
2021 November I went to Wikki Tourist, it was 2022 March I came back to Bendel because of the problem with my contract. I joined the team to gain promotion.
Moving from university football to NPFL is a huge progress and I pray to leave a big landmark, then possibly move to Europe from here because I have a big ambition.”
Can you tell us what its like playing your first season in Nigeriaβs top flight?
“Like I said before, this is not my first NPFL game. I played NPFL 2019 with Bendel before they were relegated and even 2022 with Wikki Tourist.”
Where will you love to play next after NPFL and which team ?
“My next ambition is to play in Europe possibly Arsenal because I am an Arsenal fan, so help me God.”
Bendel Insurance returned to the NPFL, grabbing their first victory after ten years in the NNL. With the win and three points, the Benin Boys now have an early advantage in the league table.
The #nigeria premier football league begis with a shocking result as newcomer, #bendelinsurance
beat #akwaunited by 2-0 in #uyo
[Imade Osehenkhoe 37', Seriki Ismael 43']#betastriker #NPFL23 pic.twitter.com/2Nri3hxJWZ— Beta Striker (@betterstriker) January 8, 2023
Insurance’s second match will be against Plateau United, the runners-up from the previous season, while Akwa United, who are already in grave danger, will battle former African champions – Enyimba.
π³πππ ππππ ππππ? π·πππππ πππππ π πππππππ ππ πππ πππ!
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