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The most recent meetings between these sides saw them clash in Nigeria's second division - the NNL, with Bendel Insurance winning two of four games, to Shooting Stars' one.
Shooting Stars coach Gbenga Ogunbote has reacted ahead of his side's 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with Group A leaders Bendel Insurance, stating that his depleted side will need all the support they can get.
The five-time Nigerian champions won only their second game of the league season on Sunday, defeating Nasarawa United 2-0, thanks to a Samuel Ayanrinde brace.
Game week 6 of the 2023 NPFL season will see the Ibadan club welcome high-flying Bendel Insurance to the Lekan Salami Stadium on Sunday.
Shooting Stars unfit ahead of Sunday clash
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Ogunbote revealed that his side have not been up to full fitness level, but that it is expected as football is a sport that requires contact, which could sometimes, lead to injuries.
"We had issues with most of our players. We all know that football is a contact game and we can't run away from that and some of our guys had knocks which kept them out of action," the Shooting Stars manager said.
"It is the support of all the fans, supporters club, and all our lovers that we appreciate them. It is their support and push that is giving us this soft landing so far.
"I want them to come in their numbers next week Sunday to give us full backing against Bendel Insurance."
Shooting Stars vs Bendel Insurance head-to-head
The most recent meetings between these traditional sides saw them clash in Nigeria's second division, the NNL, with Bendel Insurance winning two of four games, to Shooting Stars' one, and the other being a draw.
The Benin Arsenals head to Ibadan on the back of an unbeaten run - five wins and one draw, that have seen them concede just once this season.
In comparison to Bendel Insurance who are first in group A, Ogunbote's side sit in sixth having won two games, lost two, and drawn the other two.
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