Bendel Insurance vs Rivers United Prediction: A competitive encounter is expected

In round one of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Bendel Insurance will play Rivers United at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The home team won the last time these two teams faced. How will this encounter end? 

Bendel Insurance did well last season but could not finish in the top four. In 38 matches, the home team accumulated 53 points, scoring 32 goals and conceding 30. However, their run of games into the new season saw Bendel Insurance lose consecutive matches against Enugu Rangers and Bayelsa United. However, this team did well in defeating Katsina United and Rivers United in other encounters while drawing Abia Warriors. 

Rivers United did not live up to the hype the previous season and will need to do better this year. The previous season, Rivers United finished 8th in the standings with 53 points, scoring 51 goals while conceding 42. In the meantime, their matches this season saw Rivers United lose to Enyimba United, Bendel Insurance, and Akwa United. However, their encounters against Shooting Stars and Gombe United ended in wins, with games ending 1-0 and 6-0, respectively. 

Bendel Insurance are a strong side, and I expect them to be decent at home in this one. However, Rivers United are not a poor side, and I do not expect them to slack either. This game should be competitive, but the road team looks like the better side, and I am backing them to close the odds.