January, 28 2023.
Insurance of Benin on Saturday thrashed Remo Stars of Ikenne, 3-0 in a frenetic but thrilling Day-4 encounter of the 2022/23 Abridged Nigeria Premier, played at the legendary Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin.
The encounter was one of the only two fixtured, scheduled for Saturday, and it came to life as early as the 19th minute, when leading scorer Imade Osarenkhoe put the hosts ahead, to hold the record of having scored, a goal in each of the four Matchdays, so far, this season.
Ismael Seriki made it two just before the 30th minute, and Insurance led 2-0 at the break.
There was little or no resistance from Remo Stars, whose aura of invincibility was blown away, by a well drilled Insurance side, and it was not surprising when Austin Ogunye scored in the 78th minute, to seal the points; leaving Coach Daniel Ogunmodede and his players to lick their wounds.
Elsewhere, reigning champions, Rivers United overcame a slow start, against Dakkada FC to win the tie 2-1, at the Godswill Apkabio International Stadium, in Uyo. All goals in the encounter were scored in the first half.
The revamped 2022/23 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) continues on Sunday with eight more intriguing and mouthwatering Day-4 fixtures, on the card, in both Groups A and B, at designated match venues, across the country.
Kwara United of Ilorin, will in Aba feel the might of Enyimba; having lost their season opener in Uyo, Akwa United has the opportunity to make a amends, when battling visiting Plateau United of Jos.
Gombe United, are good travellers, having drawn the two matches they played away from home so far, but can they shock Nasarawa United at the Pantami Stadium? Ninety minutes, and added time will tell.
Two promoted sides, Shooting Stars and El-kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, are pitted against each other, in a must win encounter for Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, whose 2 points so far, has raised some eye brows, amongst the ever volatile fan-base of the Oluyole Warriors .
In Group B; Lobi Stars are already in Jos, for the visit of Bayelsa United. It is left to be seen if Lobi Stars can build on thier smash and grab win, away to Abia Warriors, in Umuahia and pick the maximum points.
Rangers International with just one point from three matches played, will walk a very tight rope, when facing a well oiled Niger Tornadoes side, in Kaduna.
Elsewhere, Sunshine Stars and Abia Warriors will slug it out in Akure; while Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, host new Boys, Doma United FC in an eagerly awaited North-East derby.