Bendel Insurance defeat Enugu Rangers to win first Federation Cup in 43 years

Bendel Insurance have defeated Enugu Rangers 1-0 to win the 2023 Federation Cup.

Imade Osarenkhoe’s penalty on the stroke of halftime proved enough to earn Insurance a first major title in 43 years.

The game, played on Wednesday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, was a cagey affair as the two teams renewed their eternal rivalry.

Insurance are prodigious for their defensive discipline, which saw them finish the regular season of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) undefeated.

The Edo-based club looked nigh impregnable against the Flying Antelopes, and Amas Obasogie, the goalkeeper, cleaned up any threat that squeezed past the stingy defence.

Insurance’s reticence paid off deep into the stoppage time for the first half when Ranger’s Uche John handled the ball in his goal area.

The referee pointed to the spot, and Osarenkhoe sent Detan Ogundare, Rangers goalkeeper, the wrong way.

Monday Odigie’s boys held on for the victory and secured Insurance’s first Federation Cup triumph since 1980 when they defeated Stationery Stores in the final.

The Edo-based club will represent Nigeria in the 2022/2023 CAF Confederation Cup as a result of the feat.

In the women’s category, Bayelsa Queens FC defeated Rivers Angels FC 4-2 on penalties to win the trophy for the second consecutive season.

The match had ended goalless in normal time before the Queens of Yenagoa showed their superiority in the shootout.