Bendel Insurance, Enugu Rangers Rekindle Rivalry in Federation Cup Final

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Bendel Insurance FC and Rangers International yesterday won their respective semi final matches of this year’s Federation Cup to set up a mouth-watering final game of the 2023 edition of the tournament.

The fixture is reminiscent of the rivalry that existed between the two traditional teams of the old Midwest and the Eastern regions, culminating in the 1978 final at the National Stadium in Lagos.

In that 1978 epic final, Bendel Insurance hammered Rangers 3-0 to return to Benin City with the then Challenge Cup trophy for the second time. Opening goal from skipper Felix Agbonifo’s free kick set the stage for the day.

Peter Egharevba added a second before Henry Ogboe effectively silenced the Flying Antelopes that had nine national team players in their fold. It was a case of David killing the Goliath as rookie coach Alabi Aissien made a mincemeat of the legendary Eto Amaechina.

On the road  to the 2023 final, Bendel Insurance who have maintained an unbeaten run in all competitions this season, were stretched to the limit by neighbours Warri Wolves. 

The Sea Siders played Insurance hands down and only succumbed to defeat in the ensuing penalty shootouts after regulation time deadlocked goalless. Insurance won the penalty lottery 4-2. Benjamin Tanimu was the only one who missed the spot kick in Insurance fold . Ebenezer Odeyemi, Divine Nwachukwu and Ebuka Akobundu converted their kicks. The Benin Arsenal didn’t bother to take the last kick, having emerged the winners.

Before yesterday’s semi final, Insurance defeated Kwara State’s ABS FC 1-0; Ahudiya FC (Abia) 1-0; Heartland FC (Imo) 1-0; and Ondo State’s Sunshine Stars by the same 1-0 goal margin.

Rangers on the other hand had to wait till the second minute of added time to overcome Plateau United 1-0 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. 

Godwin Obaje’s goal from the spot turned out to be the only one in the game.

The Flying Antelopes’ travel in the national phase of this competition began by walking over Adamawa United in the Round of 64. They then edged out Kano Pillars 2-0 (Round of 32), Ekiti State’s FC Ebedei 3-1 in the Round of 16 and Doma United by a lone goal in the quarterfinals.

This fixture will be the sixth time Rangers and Bendel Insurance will be meeting in the FA Cup final, irrespective of it nomenclature. 

The champions of the Federation Cup will represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.