2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 30: Bendel Insurance FC returns to Benin, aims to return to winning streak against fumbling Sunshine Stars

Posted : 23 March 2025

After an agonizing 0-1 defeat to Abia Warriors in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 29 fixture, 9th-placed Bendel Insurance of Benin will hope to bounce back against struggling Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, a team presently battling relegation.

For the Benin Arsenals, it has been a fairly good season after the sacking of former coach Monday Odigie, who was later replaced by his assistant, Greg Ikhenoba. Since then, Ikhenoba has been churning out good results that have lifted the team to 9th place on the NPFL log.

Things, however, are not the same for Sunshine Stars after the departure of Kennedy Boboye, who started the 2024/2025 NPFL campaign with them.

Perhaps the major problem is the loss of their home ground at Akure Township Stadium, which has been under renovation.

The Owena Whales began the season playing at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, but the facility was shut down due to renovation work ahead of the 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) to be hosted by Ogun State.

Recently, Sunshine Stars relocated to another stadium in the vicinity, Remo Stars Stadium, but things have not been the same for the team. Playing home matches away from their fans has taken a toll on the players' psyche.

In order to boost performance, the Sunshine Stars FC management reinforced the squad for the second phase of the 2024/2025 NPFL by signing 16 new players and promoting three talents from their youth team.

The Owena Whales secured the services of experienced players from both local and international clubs to strengthen their roster and enhance performance, but the signings have made little or no impact. The team has managed just one win in the last five matches, drawing three and losing one.

The Head Coach of Sunshine Stars, Abubakar Bala, spoke about the team’s struggles playing away from home, stating that it has not been easy.

"Playing away from home also takes away a significant advantage, approximately 70 per cent."

"In the Nigerian League, playing without fans' support is a significant disadvantage."

"However, we are committed to working hard to overcome these challenges and avoid relegation."

The Benin Arsenals have mostly dominated their home matches, which the visiting Owena Whales may struggle to influence, especially in terms of the outcome.

Head-to-Head Record
Since 2023, Bendel Insurance FC and Sunshine Stars have played four matches, with Bendel Insurance winning twice and the other two games ending in draws.

Sunshine Stars - Bendel Insurance FC (03.11.2024) 1:2

Sunshine Stars - Bendel Insurance FC (26.05.2024) 0:0

Bendel Insurance FC - Sunshine Stars (10.12.2023) 1:0

Bendel Insurance FC - Sunshine Stars (05.06.2023) 1:1

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 30: Bendel Insurance FC returns to Benin, aims to return to winning streak against fumbling Sunshine Stars

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