2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 22: Shooting Stars set to renew rivalry against traditional competitor, Bendel Insurance

Posted : 27 February 2024

With the all-important 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 22 against their eternal rival, Bendel in sight, the paramount focus for Shooting Stars SC of Ibadan is a revenge mission.

The Oluyole Warriors aim to pay back the Benin Arsenals for a humiliating 0-2 loss, courtesy of an own goal from Faulke in the 8th minute, while Kester Oahimijie added the second in the 41st minute.

While Bendel Insurance is better known as a draw specialist, Shooting Stars SC has not been consistent so far, with their win ratio at 1:3.

Both clubs are not strangers to each other, having been founded in the 1970s, and are regarded as two of Nigeria's finest traditional clubsides, with both having their cabinets decorated with trophies and medals.

The Gbenga Ogunbote-tutored team must earn full points in this match to avoid dropping on the league table from their present 12th position.

The Monday Osagie-tutored side can also hope to create an upset in Ibadan with either a win or draw if they can resurrect the magic wand of the defending Champions, Enyimba International FC, who have been able to defeat Shooting Stars SC at home.

For Osagie, it's time to regroup and focus on the next match after a disappointing draw against the league champions Enyimba International FC in the Match Day 21 fixtures.

Osagie, who expressed displeasure over the poor handling of the match against Enyimba International FC, wants football administrators to address the ugly trend of sub-standard officiating of league matches.

Odigie believes that football should be played fairly without partiality, pointing out that players need to be protected to get the best from them.

“I don’t see the game against Enyimba as a big fixture, and I don’t have an assessment of the game; I’m sure everyone saw the game,” Odigie responded in a post-match interview.

Head to head

While both clubs have battled relegation wars since the 2023 season, Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance FC have had three face-offs, among which there were 0 winning matches for Shooting Stars, 2 draws, and one win for Bendel Insurance.

- Bendel Insurance FC - Shooting Stars (07.10.2023) 2:0
- Bendel Insurance FC - Shooting Stars (07.05.2023) 1:1
- Shooting Stars - Bendel Insurance FC (12.02.2023) 2:2

2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 22: Shooting Stars set to renew rivalry against traditional competitor, Bendel Insurance

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