Buffles du Borgou head coach Stanley Eguma says his side are focused on extending their perfect start to the 2026/2027 Benin Ligue 1 season when they visit Espoir FC on Saturday.
The club sit top of the table with nine points from three matches, having won each of their opening fixtures.
Buffles began their campaign with a 3-1 victory against Ayema FC on September 27 before claiming a 1-0 away win at FC Loto on October 3. They followed that result with another 1-0 success, this time against Djeffa FC on October 11.
Eguma, speaking to Completesports.com from Benin Republic on Wednesday night, said the squad were concentrating on producing another strong performance and securing all three points.
“One very important fact here is that your result reflects how well you play in the game,” said the former Rivers United coach.
“Not taking away the element of luck, but here in the Benin Republic Ligue 1, if you work hard, you get results. There is no home or away factor.
“So, we’re looking forward to doing well against Espoir and taking the three points.”
The unbeaten run has provided additional encouragement for the players, although Eguma warned against complacency with the season still in its early stages.
“Having not lost a game so far in the Benin Premier Ligue 1 is a motivation in itself for the players. However, we are not getting carried away because the season has only just started.
“With hard work, commitment, determination and focus, as well as taking the games one at a time, we will see where it takes us at the end of the day.”
Eguma praises working conditions
Eguma joined Buffles du Borgou ahead of the 2026/2027 Benin Ligue 1 campaign after previously managing Dolphins FC, which later became Rivers United. He was also part of Enyimba’s coaching staff when the club won the CAF Champions League in 2004.
The Nigerian coach said his early experience in Benin had been positive, highlighting the country’s infrastructure, organisation and match-day conditions.
He particularly praised the security arrangements, road network and atmosphere around football grounds.
“You don’t travel with the fear of being kidnapped. You don’t travel with the fear of insecurity, police harassment or whatever.
“Here, you can plan your movements and travels, and you arrive at your appointments on time because the roads are in excellent condition. There are no checkpoints and all that.
“You can’t believe it, but I have not seen any policeman at the stadium since I arrived here, not even stadium stewards. That’s how organised the system is here.”
Eguma also said away teams were able to compete fairly, with no home advantage influencing officiating.
“When you play away, there is nothing like poor officiating. Teams win away games, sometimes even more than they win at home. A team can win 5-0 or 6-0 away from home.
“Refereeing here is quite wonderful,” he said.