Smarting from a 1-0 home defeat to Abia Warriors on matchday 9, Bendel Insurance will be seeking redemption during Sunday’s NPFL matchday 10 clash with Sunshine Stars starting at 4pm at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
To this end, the Benin Arsenal crave the patience, loyalty, and support of their fans as they embark on the daunting task.
“As we take a trip to Ijebu-Ode for the battle of redemption with Sunshine Stars of Akure, we appreciate the patience and loyalty of our fans and supporters. Wherever you are, please continue to follow and support your team. It is a huge task but achievable, the club stated on their official X handle on Saturday.
Sunday Megwo’s 40th minute strike secured maximum points for Abia Warriors, causing Insurance their fourth defeat in nine matches, which saw them slump to 15th in the standings.
Also smarting from their 3-0 loss at Plateau United, Sunshine, who head into the encounter with the bragging rights of 15th placement on the log, will be looking to turn their fortunes around, aiming for their fifth win of the campaign.
Abia Warriors will look to build on their win at Sanuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin-City, facing off against Heartland in an Oriental derby clash in Umuahia.
Their captain, Augustine Njoku, is optimistic that the Umu Chineke will secure all the maximum points at stake when the two Eastern clubs clash on Sunday.
“It’s another game; no game is alike. The last game is past, and I urge the fans to expect victory from Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, as usual, come Sunday,” he told the club’s media.
“Yes, it’s an Oriental Derby; it’s a strong match to talk about. Then talking about Heartland Football Club, most of them over there know about us, and we equally know about them. So, I believe, it’s going to be a tough game, and I’m believing that Abia Warriors Football Club will emerge victorious to make it three wins out of three,” added the former Nigeria national U-20 right back.
Heartland, on the other hand, will look to stop the Warriors’ aspiration of four home wins in a row, having shocked pundits with a 1-0 home victory over high-flying Remo Stars in their last game, a result that has given them the belief to dream.
Abia Warriors, who have the lead 3-2 head-to-head in the last five matches involving both teams, will be without injured Ogunjimi. Samuel due to a minor injury, while centre backs Emmanuel Ogbuagu and Izuchukwu Daniel are back with the team, but the latter is not fit yet to get a look-in.
