Bendel Insurance claimed the 2023 Federation Cup with a 1-0 win over Enugu Rangers at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, handing the Benin Arsenal a first piece of silverware in 43 years, Abbeylivenetwork.com reports.
After coming through the preliminary rounds without conceding a goal and having finished top of Group A in the regular season, Bendel Insurance were clear favourites as they faced Rangers in the Federation Cup final for the third time in their history.
Insurance carved out the first real opportunity of the game in the 16th minute, but Deputy Echeta’s deflected shot went off target.
Eight minutes later, Rangers replied with a chance of their own, but Amas Obasogie did well to save for a corner.
Both teams continued their search for the opening goal, with Rangers forward, Godwin Obaje going into the referee’s book for a rash tackle on Julius Emiloju six minutes before the break.
On the stroke of half-time, Bendel Insurance struck gold when Rangers’ Chinemerem Ugwueze blocked an effort from Sodje Stephens with his arm in the box, causing the referee to point to the spot and award the player a second yellow card.
Imade stepped up and repeated his trick from the semifinal by putting the ball past the goalkeeper.
In the second half, Enugu Rangers displayed tremendous resilience, determined to level the playing field despite being a man down. They created several promising chances and tested the Bendel Insurance defence, but the latter’s steadfastness prevented any breakthroughs.
Bendel Insurance, with their solid defensive line, held firm to protect their slender lead until the final whistle. Their collective efforts and disciplined approach paid off, securing the 80th Federation Cup title for the team.
The Benin Arsenal will now look forward to representing Nigeria in the CAF Confederations Cup
