NPFL: Boboye targets victory as Bendel Insurance host Ikorodu City

Coach Kennedy Boboye of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin has demanded victory from his players as the team host Ikorodu City in Wednesday’s Matchday 5 fixture of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Boboye made the demand on Tuesday in Benin shortly after the team’s final training session at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the encounter.

The coach said the Benin Arsenal as Bendel Insurance are fondly called by their fans and admirers, were prepared for the match.

According to him, Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Ranchers Bees FC in Kano should spur the players to respond strongly.

“Tomorrow’s game is a must-win for us because if we want to be among the contenders for the league title, we must work hard to remain in the top three from the start of the season.

“So, if we win tomorrow, we would be up again around third or fourth on the table. The players know the importance of the game,” Boboye said.

It was reported that Bendel Insurance have six points from their opening four matches of the season following two wins and two defeats.

Reflecting on the team’s struggles away from home, Boboye said the players performed well against Ranchers Bees but were punished for their mistakes.

He, however, expressed confidence that the team would improve as the season progresses.

“People should not just criticise us from home. When you see the conditions under which we sometimes play when we leave our domain, you will appreciate the efforts of the players.

“The wins will come. Let’s believe in ourselves. We are working tirelessly on the areas where we have issues, and soon we will get it right,” he said.

Boboye also attributed some of the team’s difficulties to the adjustment period for new players, saying they were yet to fully blend with the squad.

“Some of the new players in the team are yet to fully settle down and blend well,” he said.

The encounter will be the first midweek fixture of the new NPFL season at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.