Bendel Insurance vs Shooting Stars will be one of the major highlights of week two of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The two sides are heritage clubs in the NPFL and have many titles.
The Bendel Insurance vs Shooting Stars tie was a mouth-watering affair, with fans eager to see some of the country's finest in action.
The two clubs have gone through different paths, with the Benin Arsenal and the Oluyole Warriors having been in and out of relegation.
The signs are ominous as things appear to have changed for both clubs, and the excitement is rising again.
So, this weekend, Benin is the place to be as it will be Bendel Insurance vs Shooting Stars.
See you there!#NPFL24
Adaaaaaaaa BENDEL! pic.twitter.com/T4l0Wav35Z
— Bendel Insurance FC Official (@BendelInsurance) October 3, 2023
Bendel Insurance vs Shooting Stars Probable Lineups
Bendel Insurance
Goalkeeper: Amas Obasogie
Defenders: Julius Emiloju, Sunday Anyanwu, Benjamin Tanimu, Stanley Okorom
Midfielders: Ezekiel Tamara, Kester Oahimijie, Paul Obata, Vincent Augustus
Forward: Ismail Sarki, Ebohon Jude
Shooting Stars
Goalkeeper: Ovunda Darlington
Defenders: Ismail Ghali Falke, Olawale Mutiu, Aghahowa Alex, Ayodeji Bamidele
Midfielders: Gbolagade Adelowo, Akpan Joshua, Ayobami Junior, Malomo Taofeek
Forward: Ayobami Adekunle, Kayode Oke
An exciting match on the cards
Bendel Insurance had a disappointing campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup. After doing well by knocking out ASO Chlef, they fell at the last preliminary hurdle to two-time champions RS Berkane.
The Benin Arsenal are eager to restore their fans' confidence and would want to use Shooting Stars as an example.
Shooting Stars started the season on a bright note. After a healthy preseason and summer transfers, the Oluyole Warriors put Plateau United to the sword in their opening game of the 2023/24 NPFL season.
It was an exciting match that was settled with two headers as the home side ran away 2-1 winners.
Both teams go into the Bendel Insurance vs Shooting Stars tie in varying forms, but there is no denying that an exciting match is on the cards.
Predictions
Over 1.5
#TheSportsIlluminator@ShootingSc goals versus @plateau_united; a pair of headers were enough to give 3SC three points.
🎥 by @NPFL_Live
Commentary by @sami_bam et @Theayindetobi #NPFL24#NPFL pic.twitter.com/2PRll9PPVY
— #TheSportsIlluminator (@RayToluAyo) October 1, 2023
Despite the departure of their top scorer last season – Imade Osarenkhoe, The Benin Arsenal remains a dangerous side.
They have shown an appetite for goals at home, and buoyed by their vociferous supporters, it is hard to rule them out from scoring.
Both sides to score
Shooting Stars opened the season with a 2-1 win over Plateau United. Shooting Stars could have won the game with a bigger scoreline, but their profligacy in front of goal denied them.
Bendel Insurance to win
Despite playing a 2-2 draw against RS Berkane in their CAF Confederation Cup tie, Bendel Insurance showed the capacity to score goals.
In front of their teeming fans, they would want to start the season on a bright note.
Bendel Insurance has yet to lose any game in the regular season. They will want to continue the run.
Prediction: Insurance to win 2-1
Head-to-Head
Both teams have a rich history and have played many games against each other.
The first Bendel Insurance vs Shooting Stars tie was in Ibadan in week seven.
The Benin Arsenal had to settle for a draw as the Oluyole Warriors came from behind to secure a share of the spoils.
Imade Osarenkhoe opened scores for the Benin Arsenal with barely a minute on the clock.
Bendel Insurance doubled their advantage through Ismail Sarki in the 36th minute, but just before half-time, Malomo Taofeek reduced the tally.
The Oluyole Warriors restored parity in the 64th minute through Olufemi Opeoluwa.
Last season, the two sides played draws in both legs. The tie in Benin ended 1-1, with Sikiru Alimi scoring for Shooting Stars in the 85th minute to deny the Benin Arsenal maximum points.
Shooting Stars 2-2 Bendel Insurance
Bendel Insurance 1-1 Shooting Stars
Where to watch
Benin is one of the centres where the AI cameras were installed by the broadcast sponsors – Propel Africa.
You can enjoy the match on the NPFL Live app.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 weeks ago
