Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin will today lock horns with Gateway United at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta in one of the matchday 5 of the 2021/2022 NNL season
The Benin Arsenal, who are visitors to the fourth-placed Gateway Utd is going into the star match with the mindset of consolidating on their number one position on the table.
The Benin Arsenal currently sit at the top of Group B1 table with 8 points and are yet to taste defeat in four matches with impressive away run so far. However, they must be aware that their visit to the MKO Abiola Stadium is not for jamboree or sightseeing, but a matchup against a deadly side who defeated 2-0 at the same Stadium last season.
Gateway might be placed fourth, but a deep understanding of the team will make one realize that they have been a tough nut to crack when playing on their turf. Gateway has twice played at home and won on the two occasions.
Bendel Insurance will go into this game with enough confidence having beaten another tough side Ibom Youth FC 3-1 in their last game in Benin on Saturday.
With no injury concerns, the Benin Arsenal are in high spirit and would not want a repeat of the defeat they suffered last time the team visited the Kuto stadium.
Gateway United have won two games at home, lost two away, scoring three goals and conceded 2 – a form they don’t want to replicate against Insurance.
Bendel Insurance has won two at home, drawn two away, scored six goals and conceded only two.
Environment: The MKO Abiola Stadium is now a shadow of itself as many have queried the NNL for approving such ground for league games,moreso, hosting two different teams in the same group (Gateway and Abeokuta Stormers).
Sports enthusiasts are in an anxious mood, expecting to see how the atmosphere will shape out for the two sides as the match is billed for 2 pm – a decision many have frowned at.
Prediction: with Insurance going into this game refreshed, they will need a game like this to send a signal across to other opponents as a win is likely for them after 90 minutes. 2-1 in favour of Insurance.
Bendel Insurance Media
