Preview: Bendel Insurance, Remo Stars face-off in titanic 'World Cup final' in Benin

NPFL Preview: Bendel Insurance, Remo Stars face-off in titanic 'World Cup final' in Benin

Izuchukwu Akawor 16:09 - 27.01.2023

Remo's boss has described this NPFL Group A top-of-the-table clash in Benin as a 'world cup final', but who will come out with all three points?

The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City will host one of the biggest matches in the world this weekend as Bendel Insurance welcome Remo Stars.

Both unbeaten sides will go head-to-head in the week four tie in Group A of the abridged season in the NPFL.

This fixture is a top-of-the-table battle between two of the only teams in the NPFL still with a 100% record in the league.

Remo's boss sets the tempo.

Despite their brilliant start to the new season, Remo Stars manager, Ogunmodele has set his sight on the game this Saturday in Benin.

Remo Stars boss Daniel Ogunmodede says Insurance game is a World Cup final for his boys. [Photo: Adelase Jamiu]

Moments after the Sky Blues dominated and defeated regional rivals Shooting Stars in mid-week, the tactician said his side will switch focus to the game against the newly promoted side.

According to the elegant 42-year-old, the game against the Benin Arsenal is a 'World Cup final' for him and his team.

Godwin Odibo on cloud nine after scoring his first competitive goal for Remo Stars.

"Our World Cup final is on Saturday, and that is the way we pick every game," the gaffer stated as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria.

Ogunmodele's statement clealy sets the tempo for what's set to be an explosive and classic battle between the two sides.

Bendel Insurance were crowned the winner of the Nigeria National League (NNL) 2021/2022 football season

Form

These are two of the most in-form teams in the football league at the moment. Both clubs have started the season in superb form, with little to separate them on the table.

Insurance and Remo are two of the only teams still with a 100% record intact, but that will surely change after the game in Benin.

Bendel Insurance superstar Imade Oserenkhoe scored the first goal of the 2023 NPFL season.
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However, the Sky Blues from Ikenne are at the top of the table in Group A thanks to their superior goal difference.

In terms of their respective forms at home and away, the hosts have won four of their last five matches at home in all competitions while the Ikenne side has won two, lost two and drawn the other of their last five.

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Key Stats

  • Remo Stars are the only team yet to concede a single goal this season in the football league. 
  • Insurance and Remo are the only sides yet to drop points this season in Group A.

Head-to-head

When these two teams step on the pitch in Benin, it will be for the third time in the NPFL.

While the hype is on for both teams at the moment, the previous two encounters haven't provided the much-needed excitement.

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In their first-ever meeting in the football league, the spoils were shared following a 1-1 draw.

It was the same outcome when they locked horns again months later in Sagamu, this time, it was a goalless affair.

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However, the match in the Nigeria National League, NNL, provided more entertainment following a four-goal thriller. But it was also a draw as it ended 2-2.

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