2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 1: Bendel Insurance ready to spill blood against Rivers United in South-South derby

Posted : 07 September 2024

The newly appointed coach of Rivers United FC, Finidi George, will face a baptism of fire in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season opener as he travels to Benin to face Bendel Insurance FC.

Although Finidi George is not a newcomer to the Premier League, having won it two seasons ago, things are different now as he has a new club to manage, distinct from the team he coached when he won the 10th league title with Enyimba International FC in Lagos.

Following a failed move and an unsuccessful stint as the Super Eagles coach, Finidi George decided against returning to his former club and instead chose to join his home state club, Rivers United FC, which is fired up with lofty ambitions.

Rivers United has tried to keep their pre-season activities under wraps, with only a few friendly matches being visible to the opposition. It remains to be seen what strategies George has in store for his new team.

On the other hand, Bendel Insurance, aware of the huge task ahead and aiming for a better season than the previous one, has unveiled 13 new players for the upcoming NPFL season. These new players will replace the 13 who left the team at the end of the last season.

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Yussuf Alli, has urged the new players to be disciplined and focused as they integrate with the existing squad. According to Alli, this is essential for the team to play as a formidable unit and bring pride to the state.

The Sports Commission boss expressed confidence in Coach Monday Odigie and his team's ability to make headlines in the new football season. He also tasked the new recruits with starting the season positively by beating Rivers United in their opening match on Sunday.

As Bendel Insurance hosts Rivers United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for their first match of the season, all eyes will be on both clubs to perform well, which will signal what the rest of the season might look like.

Head-to-Head:

Since 2019, Bendel Insurance FC and Rivers United have competed in 4 matches, with Bendel Insurance FC winning 1 and 1 match ending in a tie.

Bendel Insurance FC - Rivers United (12.06.2024) 2:1
Rivers United - Bendel Insurance FC (28.12.2023) 1:1
Rivers United - Bendel Insurance FC (09.06.2023) 2:1
Rivers United - Bendel Insurance FC (26.05.2019) 1:0

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 1: Bendel Insurance ready to spill blood against Rivers United in South-South derby

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