Enyimba vs Bendel Insurance lineups and predictions – NPFL

Enyimba International Stadium will host the Enyimba vs Bendel Insurance NPFL rescheduled week 1 clash on Thursday evening. The game will kick-off at 4 PM, 12 October 2023.

The Elephants lost 2-0 away in Gombe last week as Chijioke Alaekwe and Ahmed Jimoh scored either side of the half to hand the defending champions their first loss of the NPFL season and a first win for the northerners in their last six games with Enyimba.

Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, coasted to a 2-0 win against Shooting Stars as a Ghali Falke own goal in the first half set the Benin side on course for their first win of the season before a 79th minute strike from Evans Ogbonda sealed the victory for the FA Cup champions.

Which of these teams will carry the day when it's all said and done at the Enyimba stadium?

Bendel Insurance team photo — Credit: Icon Sport

Enyimba vs Bendel Insurance predicted lineups

Here is how we think these teams will line up in this NPFL blockbuster clash:

Enyimba

Bassa Djere; Bilal Yakubu, Chigozie Chilekwu, Daniel Daga, Somiari Alalibo; Innocent Gabriel, Happy Ekwutoziam, Ekene Awazie, Adiele Eruigo; Joseph Atule, Ikenna Cooper.

Bendel Insurance

Amas Obasogie; Stanley Okoro, Julius Emiloju, Benjamin Tanimu, Sunday Anyanwu; Tamara Ezekiel, Stephen Sodje, Zaidu Ayuba, Paul Obata; Vincent Augustus, Ebohon Jude.

Enyimba vs Bendel Insurance confirmed lineups

*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released

Enyimba vs Bendel Insurance predictions

Prediction 1: Enyimba to reign supreme

The Finidi George led side have not shown their capabilities yet this season, their ouster from the CAF Champions League and the loss away in Gombe has compounded a seemingly bad run for the NPFL hopeful. However, we're backing them to finish the affair at home with a win over the Benin Arsenal and a hard-fought result.

Chikamso in action for Enyimba — Credit: Icon Sport

Prediction 2: Both teams to score

It's not usual for clubs in the top-flight to score each other even as only a few matches have ended with this prediction this season. Nonetheless, recent clashes between Enyimba and Insurance have ended with both teams finding the back of the net, both games ended 1-1. We fancy this scoreline to again play out as these teams battle for supremacy.

Prediction 3: A goal in the firsthalf

Our last prediction for this potential 2023/24 NPFL title winner battle is one goal to be scored before the break. It's worth knowing that the last three meetings between them have yielded at least one goal in the firsthalf. Both teams also had a goal scored in their first league game of the season. It will be surprising to see this game end scoreless before both teams match down to the tunnel after 45 minutes.