Eyes on Benin, Yenagoa as NPFL approaches election break

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will go on a break ahead of the 2023 General Elections after this weekend’s games with Bendel Insurance and Enyimba locking horns in a battle between the top two teams in Group A while Bayelsa United and Rangers will have a showdown in Yenagoa in Group B.

Bendel Insurance are still topping Group A with 20 points following midweek’s narrow home win over bottom placed four-point Nasarawa United.

As such, the star match in Group A this weekend is undoubtedly the fixture between the league leader Bendel Insurance and second-place – Enyimba at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Monday Odigie’s men left no one in doubt of their ability to roll with the big boys with the barnstorming 2-0 win in Uyo against former league champions, Akwa United in the opening game of the season. They went ahead to beat Kwara United, Plateau United, Remo Stars, and Nasarawa United before the impressive 2-2 draw in Ibadan against 3SC.

The People’s Elephants are on a three-game winning run after their 1-0 defeat at Ikenne against Remo Stars. They are second on the table with 16 points and are gradually warming their way toward a top-three finish in Group A. Besides the goalless home draw with Akwa United and the defeat they suffered in Ikenne and Jos to Plateau United, Finidi George-led side have been impressive so far.

Meanwhile in Group B, the star fixture in the group would be Bayelsa United versus Rangers International in Yenagoa. Both teams have been lukewarm since the start of the season and the fixture that would inspire fans is now more of a battle between two relegation-haunted sides.

Bayelsa United are the last winner of the FA Cup following their win over Nasarawa United in 2021. Even though they didn’t get to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup last year, they left a lasting impression in the minds of all. The Prosperity Boys got the ticket to return to the top flight after seven years last season but their journey to the top flight has not been smooth- sailing.

NPFL Weekend’s Fixtures

El Kanemi vs Kwara United

Gombe United vs Plateau United

Nasarawa United vs Remo Stars

Bendel Insurance vs Enyimba International

3SC vs Akwa United

Bayelsa United vs Enugu Rangers International

Lobi Stars vs Doma United

Niger Tornadoes vs Dakkada FC

Sunshine Stars vs Wikki Tourist