NPFL: Bendel Insurance v Lobi Stars Matchday 11 Preview
Bendel Insurance will welcome table toppers, Lobi Stars to the 12,000-capacity Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the Matchday 11 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The anticipated exhilarating clash has been scheduled for 4 pm on Saturday.
BENDEL INSURANCE
Bendel Insurance goes into this tie confident of a victory over Lobi. The Benin side have not only been resolute in defence but, dangerous in attack last weekend against Kano Pillars during the matchday 10 clash. Although the game ended in a goalless draw with Bendel Insurance’s heroics Amas Obasogie saving a spot kick taken by the NPFL legend, Rabiu Alli.
Placed in the eighth position on the log with 14 points, the Benin Gunners are six points adrift of league leaders Lobi, who has 20 points.
The Monday Odigie-led side has been struggling to score goals this season despite providing convincing numbers of offensive attempts in their past 10 games. They have scored only seven goals so far which could be a result of the departure of their striker Imade Osarenkhoe who left for UAE in the Summer.
However, the arrival of three new strikers Chisom Okereke, Raymond Ikhenoba, and Chukwudi Meze has all failed to fill the void Imade left in the club.
Meanwhile, the Federation Cup defending champions would be banking on the presence of midfield maestro Divine Nwachukwu, a crucial player who is set to return to first-team action following a recovery from a knee injury incurred a few months ago.
Last time at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Stephen Sodje combined with Sarki Ismael to prevent Insurance from losing late in the game against Kwara United.
Predicted Line-up (4-4-2): Amas Obasogie (Gk); Julius Emiloju, Tanimu Benjamin, Sunday Anyawu, Ebuka Akobundu; Tamara Ezekiel, Stephen Sodje, Haruna Abubakar, Paul Obata; Sarki Ismael, Chisom Okereke
LOBI STARS
No one at the start of the season would have envisioned Lobi Stars at the top of the table after Matchday 10. The Eugene Agagbe-tutored team despite all the coaching brouhaha before matchday 1, has taken the league by storm amassing 20 points from 10 games. Lobi Stars knocked out Shooting Stars in a keenly contested tie to extend their home unbeaten run to five games last weekend.
At the summit of the table, Lobi Stars has scored 14 goals this season and they will hope for their second away victory of the season to solidified their current position.
Despite being a high-scoring side, Lobi Stars has a problem with their defence. The Markurdi-based side has conceded in seven of their last 10 games this season. Although Insurance is not much of a high-scoring side but defensive, Lobi will need to tighten their defence and attack with grit to crack down the compact defence.
Predicted Lineup(4-4-3): Lucky Jimoh(Gk); Chinedu Sunday Chukwu, Moses Tsehuan, Agbanyi Vershima, Monday Akile; Francis Onyirimba Odinaka,Orji Kalu Okagbue, Ahmad Liman; Waheed Adebayo, Samuel Tiza Iorwuese, Dabani Godwin Alao.
