Attention returns to the domestic scene this weekend when actions resume in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The biggest match of the matchday four fixtures undoubtedly is the top-of-the-table clash between Bendel Insurance and Remo Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
That is the venue of the Super Eagles’ infamous collapse to Sierra Leone in an African Cup of Nations qualifier in November 2020.
Nigeria ran to a 4-nil lead in the opening half, courtesy of an Alex Iwobi brace and further goals from Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
But the Super Eagles, then managed by German coach Gernot Rohr, took their foot off the throttle allowing the Leone Stars to stage a stunning comeback in the second half and force a 4-4 draw.
That enthralling encounter, though, will be the furthest thing on the mind of everyone involved when Bendel Insurance file out against Remo Stars on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams are the pace-setters in the opening rounds of the 2022/2023 league season, each winning their first three games.
Newly promoted from the lower division, Insurance have shocked even their supporters with their impressive results. Two away wins at Akwa United and Kwara United, and their triumph over former champions Plateau United reveal that the Bendel Arsenal mean serious business this term.
BENDEL INSURANCE vs REMO STARS!
— ken Ochonogor (@kenochonogor) January 28, 2023
Top of the table clash in Benin. The only two teams with maximum points after 3 games in the #NPFL23, clash in the ancient city of Benin today. Something must give.
Who blinks first?#BENREM pic.twitter.com/QpKxuxLwou
But Insurance face arguably their toughest foes so far in Remo Stars.
The Sky Blues top Group A (ahead of Insurance on goal difference) with nine points and boast one of the best attacks in the top flight with five goals (equal to Insurance’s) – only Plateau United (6 goals) have scored more.
Interestingly, Remo Stars have the meanest defence in the land, having not conceded a goal in three games. The Ikenne-based campaigners will, however, have that impressive defensive record put to the stiffest test again Insurance’s secret weapon and the NPFL’s top marksman Imade Osehenkhoe.
Osehenkhoe has three scored three times, finding the back of the net in each of his first three appearances in the top flight.
Whatever the final result at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, what is guaranteed is that one or both of these two teams will lose their perfect winning run and fans will be the best for it.
