Bendel Insurance win first silverware in 28 years after 2023 Federation Cup triumph

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Bendel Insurance of Benin City pipped Rangers International 1-0 to win its fourth Federation Cup title at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Wednesday.

Imade Osarenkhoe’s first-half penalty sealed the title for the Benin Arsenal and rounded up a glittering season for the newly promoted team to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in 2022.

Osarenkhoe’s penalty hit the bottom right corner in the additional minutes of the first half.

Abdul Maikaba’s team were reduced to ten men after Collins Chinemerem Ugwueze was sent off also in the additional minutes of the first half.

Rangers tried to get the equalizer in the second half but a strong Insurance defensive display ensured that the team celebrate their first silverware in 28 years, with their last major title coming in the CAF Cup in 1994.

Insurance have now won a fourth Federation Cup title, having previously won in 1972, 1978, and 1980.

The victory also confirmed their qualification to the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup as they will represent the country in the second-tier CAF interclub competition alongside Rivers United.

The win also rounded up a rewarding season for Monday Odigie’s side which had a 26-match unbeaten run ending at the NPFL Super Six in Lagos and failing to pick any continental slot from the league.