Rangers’ Detan Ogundare optimistic of beating Insurance to 2023 Federation Cup title

By Wale Mustapha

Goalkeeper of Enugu Rangers, Detan Ogundare has assured fans of the club of winning the 2023 Federation Cup by beating Insurance FC in the final on June 21.

The Flying Antelopes secured a nail biting 1-0 win over Plateau United in the semi final to book the final place against their archrivals Bendel Insurance in a bid to win the second ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup.

The former U20 goalkeeper believes the national final triumph will offer a huge consolation to the fans for their support through the season, especially in the botched qualification to the Nigeria Premier Football League Super Six.

“I was really excited with how we stood our ground against Plateau United which gave us the victory,” Ogundare told NigeriaFootball.ng.

“I am optimistic of taking this form into the final match and being crowned champions of the oldest club competition in the country. We expect a very tough match but with the determination and zeal to succeed in the team now, I don’t see us falling short against Insurance by God’s grace.”

The goal tender who has kept six clean sheets in the last nine matches for Rangers added that their performances especially in the Federation Cup was down to hard work, determination, and steadfastness to succeed which he believed will take them past the challenge expected to be posed by the Benin Arsenals in the final.

“I just believe that our team is peaking at the right time because what we had in the regular league season was not palatable. We hope to use the trophy to compensate for our not-too-good display in the league,” stated the agile shot-stopper.

This year’s final match will take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State on Wednesday 21st of June, 2023.

It will also be third time they will be facing off with each enjoying a win apiece just as the ‘Flying Antelopes’ will be looking to make it a seventh win to close up the gap held by Shooting Stars of Ibadan who have won the oldest club competition a record eight times while Insurance will be chasing a 4th win.