NPFL 2026/27: Bendel Insurance FC begin campaign against Warri Wolves in Benin
The Benin Arsenal will begin the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season at home against Warri Wolves on Sunday, August 30.
Bendel Insurance Football Club will begin their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign at home against Warri Wolves on Sunday, August 30.
The opening-day fixture will see the Benin Arsenal return to Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for what promises to be an exciting Niger Delta derby.
Insurance begin at home
The NPFL management has confirmed Friday, August 28 as the official kick-off date for the 2026/27 season.
The announcement was made during the NPFL Annual General Meeting and draws ceremony held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Bendel Insurance were drawn at home against Warri Wolves for Matchday 1, giving the Benin Arsenal an immediate opportunity to start the new campaign in front of their supporters.
The fixture is scheduled for:
- Match: Bendel Insurance FC vs Warri Wolves
- Competition: Nigeria Premier Football League
- Matchday: 1
- Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City
A Niger Delta derby to open the campaign
The meeting with Warri Wolves will give Insurance a challenging start to the new season.
After finishing fifth in the 2025/26 NPFL campaign, the Benin Arsenal will be looking to improve on that performance and compete strongly throughout the new season.
The opening fixture also carries additional significance for supporters, with Bendel Insurance having completed their three-match punishment that required the club to play behind closed doors.
Fans can therefore look forward to returning to Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to support the team.
The Benin Arsenal are ready to begin another NPFL campaign, and the first challenge comes against Warri Wolves in a Niger Delta derby.
The first five fixtures
The draw has also revealed a demanding opening sequence for Bendel Insurance.
After the home fixture against Warri Wolves, the Benin Arsenal travel to Lafia for Matchday 2 against Nasarawa United.
The opening five fixtures are:
- Bendel Insurance vs Warri Wolves — Home
- Nasarawa United vs Bendel Insurance — Away
- Bendel Insurance vs Kun Khalifat — Home
- Ranchers Bees vs Bendel Insurance — Away
- Bendel Insurance vs Ikorodu City — Home
The sequence gives Insurance three home fixtures from their first five matches and provides an early opportunity to build momentum.
Enabulele commends NPFL management
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended the leadership of the NPFL management under Hon. Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
Enabulele praised the league management for what he described as visionary and pragmatic leadership, particularly the stability and consistency of the NPFL calendar.
He noted that the league has maintained a clear direction in recent seasons, with kick-offs and conclusions taking place according to schedule.
"Our premier league has impressed tremendously in the operational standard and has been stable and consistent following the calendar for the past three seasons with a clear sense of direction."
Looking ahead
Bendel Insurance finished fifth in the 2025/26 season and will be determined to surpass that position in the new campaign.
With the supporters returning to Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and a home derby against Warri Wolves opening the season, the Benin Arsenal have an opportunity to make a strong statement from Matchday 1.
The 2026/27 campaign starts in Benin.
