Week Four of the Benin City Youth League is set to take place at the UBTH Sports Complex, with several high-profile fixtures expected to shape the title race and the battle at the bottom of the table.
The BJ Foundation from their recent state FA Cup exit would match up against Westgate in the first match of the week. Westgate fully aware of the danger a defeat can put them into and the benefit they can get from a win —will fancy their chances of making a bold statement that could see them earn the same points as their opponent who sits 3 points ahead of them. BJ on the other hand must improve their scoring form to get the win which will be vital for their season — a win will see them rub shoulders with table toppers Dynamo Academica.
Etto Football Club will have a lot of defensive work to do against high-scoring Ine Stars and would look to bounce back from their disappointing draw against BJ Foundation in the week three match-up in the second game of week 4. A tall mountain to surmount for Etto FC, but Ine Stars must be watchful as well.
At the bottom of the table clash between United Sparrow and Alhaji FC —one must end for the other or the two sides can decide to share the spoils, but it will do either side good to get into winning ways after this match day. Sparrow and Alhaji still nursing their defeats to Ine Stars and Living Voice respectively have a lot to prove on Tuesday, if not for their fans, at least make a statement of intent in the league.
Three points separate Benin Warriors and Genesis FC, but both sides will either level up or extend the gap after Tuesday’s game —the last match for day 1 of week four at the UBTH Mini Football Stadium. Benin Warriors had started on a bright note, but a slim defeat at the hands of table toppers, Dynamo Academica in Week three could be compounded against familiar foes in Genesis FC. But with five goals scored and one conceded, the Dafe-led boys can push themselves to get it done over the Victor’s boys to solidify their top 5 standing in the league table.
Hostilities will continue on Wednesday as Victoria FC who stole the show against Rolly FC will look to continue their giant-killing runs against Eagle Wings. Eagle Wings were shocked by Namo Sports in week three, and they would want to avoid again against a burgeoning side who look well structured —fingers crossed as the 4th and 9th placed sides battle it out Wednesday morning.
Rolly FC will need the game against Rangers Dynamite to relaunch a good run after being stunned by Victoria FC and being dumped out of the State FA Cup. Many expectations are on the Inonoje’s boys who seem to have run out of steam —Rangers Dynamite must however be wary of the comeback of a wounded lion and not be carried away by their 3-2 win over Genesis in last match week encounter, though they can build on the momentum.
At the lower end of the table, Living Voice will battle Namo Sports in what could be a crucial match for both teams. With both sides struggling for consistency this season, the match presents an opportunity for either team to move away from the relegation zone. Namo surely want to leap and Living Voice wants to be heard — both sides might not be household names, but we are in for a cracker
League leaders Dynamo Academica will be looking to maintain their perfect start to the season when they face Okuta FC in the final match of the day. Dynamo Academica currently sit top of the table with nine points from three matches, having won all their games so far, and another victory would strengthen their early title credentials; however, this is a banana peel they must watch out for. Okuta’s narrow defeat to Westgate stung them deep down, they will release some venom they have against the table toppers in the last match of the week —that will no doubt be a game to take home for the fans —upset is possible just as whitewash can also be witnessed.
With a tight league table after three matches, match week four could bring major changes in the standings as teams continue their push for the title, top-four places, and survival.
All matches will be played at the UBTH Sports Complex in Benin City.