Bendel Insurance FC of Benin will begin their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign on Sunday when they host Warri Wolves at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The 4pm opening-day clash promises an exciting Bendel Derby between two proud clubs with a rich football history, as the Benin Arsenals return before their home supporters determined to start the new season on a winning note.
Bendel Insurance finished fifth last season but have set their sights much higher this time, with club management targeting the NPFL title.
Technical Manager Kennedy Boboye said the team is in good shape and ready for the challenges ahead, insisting he is not under pressure despite management’s title ambition.
According to him, the team will approach the campaign one match at a time while remaining focused on preparing adequately for each opponent.
The return of supporters to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is expected to provide an additional boost for the Benin Arsenals after the club served a three-match behind-closed-doors sanction.
Bendel Insurance Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, said management is determined to build a stronger squad and has invested in bringing in quality players capable of competing with the big teams in the NPFL.
Tenebe assured Edo football stakeholders and supporters of an exciting season and called on residents of Benin City to turn out in large numbers to cheer the team against Warri Wolves.
However, Insurance will have to begin the campaign without Boboye on the touchline. The experienced coach is currently in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where he is leading reigning NWFL champions Edo Queens at the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers on an interim basis.
Boboye is expected to miss Insurance’s first two league matches, with his assistants taking charge of the team during his absence.
For Warri Wolves, the Bendel Derby provides an early opportunity to test their strength against one of the league’s established sides and spoil Insurance’s return before a home crowd.
With the title ambition already declared, Bendel Insurance will be hoping to make a strong statement from the first whistle as the new NPFL season gets underway.
