2023 Federation Cup final: Kadiri Ikhana backs Bendel Insurance to beat Enugu Rangers 

By Wale Mustapha

Kadiri Ikhana, one of the golden generation members of Insurance FC has tipped his boyhood club to win the 2023 Federation Cup final on Wednesday.

Insurance will be taking on multi-finalists, Rangers Int’l in the grand finale slated for Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba in Delta State in what will be the repeat of 1978 and 1981 finals of the cup game.

Ikhana who featured for Insurance in both finals and tasted both the win and defeat was reflecting the 1978 moments and what it means to lift the oldest club competition in the country.

The former then Green Eagles’ right back who won the African Cup of Nations, AFCON title with Nigeria in 1980 was expecting a tough game in Asaba but remained confident that the Benin Arsenals will win the cup.

“It’s really going to be a tough match. It will equally be interesting. You know both Insurance and Rangers are household names in Nigerian club football,” Ikhana told media.

“I would love to be around to watch the game; to support my Insurance team beat Rangers. Yes, Insurance is where my heart is.

“They have done well this season, their first year in the Premiership after a long time out. And going through the hog of the regular season without defeat goes to say much about their quality and strength.

“But losing out in the Super Six playoffs means the Federation Cup could provide that soothing balm on a skin scratching for trophy.”

Victory for the Flying Antelopes on Wednesday will crown them as seventh time winners while it will be Insurance fourth triumph if they go all the way.

Rangers were champions in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1981, 1983 and 2018.

On the other hand, Insurance lifted the trophy in 1972, 1978 and 1980.