The NPFL is set to begin on Sunday, 8th January with a derby test between Akwa United and newcomers, Bendel Insurance at the Nest of Champions, Uyo. The game is also expected to be streamed live on terrestrial TV with the presence of the NFF Chairman, Alhaji Musa Gusau and IMC Chairman, Sunday Elegbeleye gracing the kickoff.
While the game would mark as the return of the Nigerian topflight league after a long hiatus, it would also be a testing ground for both sides from all the pre-season tournaments and friendly games they have played during the break.
The last time both clubs met in the Nigerian topflight league was in 2008 where Bendel Insurance won by a slim 3-2 win over Akwa United. They eventually got relegated that season having finished 20th with 39 points in the league.
Bendel Insurance’s second spell in the first division league was during the 2019 abridged season and they couldn’t exceed their stay as they got demoted by 28 points.
With the energy and rigour shown by the Edo-based club during their NNL campaign last year, it seems they might mean business in 2023 when they challenge for survival in the NPFL. They might as well stay back to chill with the big boys of the league after the end of the season.
However, the game between both sides might produce a surprising result due to the fact that it’s a derby game. Similar encounters are seen in Europe, especially in England when London rival clubs get to play against each other.
Experience and squad depth would also be of greater advantage without neglecting the place of fans support at the match venue.
A quick search to Akwa United’s last season at home, showed that they weren’t top class at their abode. The Promise Keepers floundered at home last season, they recorded a total of 40 points with 11 wins, seven draws and a defeat compared to Katsina United who won 15 games at home, two draws and defeats.
Bendel Insurance, despite picking up points in the NNL on the road last season can’t attest to a similar fate as the NPFL is a different ball game.
In all, an upset result might be recorded or an easy ride for the Promise Keepers.
NPFL preview: Derby test for both Ayeni and Odigie
The NPFL is set to begin on Sunday, 8th January with a derby test between Akwa United and newcomers, Bendel Insurance at the Nest of Champions, Uyo. The game is also expected to be streamed live on terrestrial TV with the presence of the NFF Chairman, Alhaji Musa Gusau and IMC Chairman, Sunday Elegbeleye gracing the kickoff.
While the game would mark as the return of the Nigerian topflight league after a long hiatus, it would also be a testing ground for both sides from all the pre-season tournaments and friendly games they have played during the break.
The last time both clubs met in the Nigerian topflight league was in 2008 where Bendel Insurance won by a slim 3-2 win over Akwa United. They eventually got relegated that season having finished 20th with 39 points in the league.
Bendel Insurance’s second spell in the first division league was during the 2019 abridged season and they couldn’t exceed their stay as they got demoted by 28 points.
With the energy and rigour shown by the Edo-based club during their NNL campaign last year, it seems they might mean business in 2023 when they challenge for survival in the NPFL. They might as well stay back to chill with the big boys of the league after the end of the season.
However, the game between both sides might produce a surprising result due to the fact that it’s a derby game. Similar encounters are seen in Europe, especially in England when London rival clubs get to play against each other.
Experience and squad depth would also be of greater advantage without neglecting the place of fans support at the match venue.
A quick search to Akwa United’s last season at home, showed that they weren’t top class at their abode. The Promise Keepers floundered at home last season, they recorded a total of 40 points with 11 wins, seven draws and a defeat compared to Katsina United who won 15 games at home, two draws and defeats.
Bendel Insurance, despite picking up points in the NNL on the road last season can’t attest to a similar fate as the NPFL is a different ball game.
In all, an upset result might be recorded or an easy ride for the Promise Keepers.
Discussion about this post