As the second round of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) begins on Wednesday with Matchday 20 fixtures nationwide, Bendel Insurance FC will visit Kwara United in a revised fixture in Ilorin.
The Benin Arsenals ended the first round on a high note, defeating the Harmony Boys 2-0 on Saturday, December 27, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. Emmanuel Akpan and Kayode Oke scored in the 20th and 42nd minutes, respectively, securing three points that lifted coach Kennedy Boboye’s side to 9th place on the league table.
Bendel Insurance arrived in Ilorin on Monday evening ahead of the midweek clash, confident of continuing their strong form since Boboye took over as technical manager in October.
Addressing the team ahead of the second round, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, praised the squad for their recent progress and swift turnaround. He challenged the players to set new targets and aim for a top-three finish, which would secure continental qualification.
“Let me once again congratulate everyone and thank you for renewing our hope. Your performances in the last seven games have been amazing. We in management are proud of you. Maintain this tempo as you enter the second round against Kwara United,” Enabulele said.
He added, “I will honor my pledge before the match on Wednesday. If you return with a positive result, I will do more for you. We want laurels, and you should be hungry for one. Set the target, work towards it, and see what the government can do for you. Get continental tickets and earn in dollars.”
The players responded with a promise to deliver, emphasizing that they would not let the chairman or club management down. Captain Efe Enabulele stated, “The management and our chairman have motivated us well. It is our obligation to give results. We thank our chairman for believing in our ability to bounce back. We have recovered from the early setbacks, and now we are stable and progressing. We assure you of our loyalty and dedication.”
The Harmony Boys versus Bendel Insurance FC clash in Ilorin is set to be a crucial encounter as Bendel Insurance look to maintain momentum and push for a top-three finish in the NPFL 2025/2026 season.
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