Ranchers Bees will be hoping to mark their return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a first victory when they welcome Bendel Insurance to the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Sunday.
The Matchday Four encounter presents a contrasting challenge for both sides, with Ranchers Bees searching for their first win of the campaign and Bendel Insurance looking to maintain their strong start.
The newly promoted side have picked up three points from their opening three matches but are yet to secure a victory since returning to the top flight.
Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, have accumulated six points from three matches and travel to Kano on the back of an emphatic 4-2 victory over Kun Khalifat FC at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The Benin Arsenal opened their campaign with a 2-1 home victory over Warri Wolves before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Nasarawa United in Lafia.
Coach Kennedy Boboye's side responded strongly to that setback against Kun Khalifat, with Alex Oweifaleya and Suraju Lawal giving Insurance a two-goal advantage before Chinedu Nwosu's second-half brace sealed the victory.
Insurance will now be seeking to translate their strong home form into an away result as they make the trip north, while Ranchers Bees will be banking on home advantage to halt their winless run.
Sunday's fixture will also provide the first NPFL meeting between the two clubs, giving the encounter added significance for both teams.
With Ranchers Bees determined to open their winning account and Bendel Insurance targeting their first away points of the season, the Sani Abacha Stadium promises to host a competitive Matchday Four contest.
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