Bendel Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye has challenged his players to quickly put their Matchday 4 defeat behind them and return to winning ways when they host Ikorodu City on Wednesday.

The Benin Arsenals welcome the Lagos-based side to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for their first midweek fixture of the new NPFL season, with Boboye insisting that nothing short of victory will do.

Speaking after the team’s final training session on Tuesday, the coach said the 2-1 loss to newly promoted Ranchers Bees FC in Kano should serve as motivation for his players to respond strongly.

 “Tomorrow’s game is a must-win for us because if we want to be among the contenders for the league title, we must work hard to remain in the top three from the start of the season,” Boboye said.

He added that victory against Ikorodu City could lift Insurance back towards the top end of the table.

Boboye also defended his players over their away form, insisting that their performance against Ranchers Bees was better than the result suggested.

According to him, mistakes proved costly in Kano, while some of the team’s new players are still adapting and building chemistry with their teammates.

The coach, however, remains confident that results will improve as the season progresses.

“The wins will come. Let’s believe in ourselves. We are working tirelessly on the areas where we have issues, and soon we will get it right.”

Insurance currently have six points from their opening four matches and will be looking to turn home advantage into three points against Ikorodu City as they aim to get their campaign back on track.