2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 16: Resurgent Bendel Insurance Set to Ambush Katsina United in Ilorin

Posted : 07 December 2025

Bendel Insurance head into Matchday 16 of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with renewed confidence as newly appointed coach Kennedy Boboye continues the task of stabilizing the struggling Benin side.

The Benin Arsenals endured a disappointing start to the campaign under former coach Greg Ikhenoba, prompting management to make changes in a bid to avoid a relegation battle. The arrival of Boboye — a seasoned tactician and two-time NPFL champion — appears to be yielding early dividends.

Since taking charge, Boboye has overseen a gradual revival, with Insurance suffering just one defeat in five matches — a run that has lifted them to 17th place. Despite the improvement, the club remains in a delicate position and needs more positive results to steer completely clear of relegation danger.

Their latest outing produced their most dominant performance of the season, a commanding 3–0 victory over Wikki Tourists on Matchday 15.

Chinedu Nwosu opened the scoring in the 16th minute.
Emmanuel Dung doubled the lead two minutes into the second half.
Emmanuel Akpan sealed the win in the 59th minute.

The morale-boosting victory helped Insurance temporarily climb out of the bottom four and sets the tone for a crucial clash against Katsina United.

Katsina United Forced to Host Home Matches Away from Home

Katsina United, nicknamed the Changi Boys, will not enjoy the comfort of home support due to a stadium ban placed on the Mohammed Dikko Stadium following fan-related disturbances. As a result, they will host Bendel Insurance at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl of the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin — their adopted home ground.

The displacement means Katsina United must dig deep as they attempt to remain competitive while playing away from familiar territory.

Head-to-Head — Last Five Meetings

03/02/2025: Bendel Insurance 1–0 Katsina United
15/09/2024: Katsina United 2–1 Bendel Insurance
01/06/2024: Bendel Insurance 2–0 Katsina United
16/12/2023: Katsina United 1–0 Bendel Insurance
16/12/2023: Katsina United 1–0 Bendel Insurance

With Insurance regaining form and Katsina United adjusting to life away from home, Matchday 16 promises an intense battle in Ilorin as both sides hunt for crucial points.

2025/2026 NPFL Matchday 16: Resurgent Bendel Insurance Set to Ambush Katsina United in Ilorin

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