Rangers, Insurance Rekindle 1978 Challenge Cup Final in 2023 Fed Cup

The Federation Cup has produced some great and memorable moments and one of such was the 1978 Challenge Cup between heavy favourites, Enugu Rangers that paraded experience and established players such as Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala, Aloy Atuegbu, Patrick Ekeji among many others against and a young Bendel Insurance side that had players such as Peter Egharevba, Kadiri Ikhana, David Adiele, Francis Monidafe.

Against all odds, it was the young side from Benin that triumphed 3-0 against a highly favoured Enugu Rangers.

As both sides come against each other in this year’s Federation Cup final, memories of the 1978 edition of the competition is expected to be rekindled.

A Godwin Obaje’s late spot-kick expertly tucked away past experienced Suraj Ayeleso, who stood between the sticks for Plateau United ensured that the Federation Cup multi-titlist, Rangers International F.C of Enugu booked their passage to its 13th final appearance in the oldest club competition in the country with a 1-0 win inside Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

The highly entertaining and fiercely contested semi-final of the Federation Cup 2023 encounter saw the six-time champions take the lead on 90 minutes after Obaje converted from the spot after goal bound, left-back, Philip Clement was upended in the box and the referee wasted no time in making the call that resulted in the match winner.

Coach Abdul Maikaba kept faith with the starting team that brushed aside the challenge of Doma United in the quarter-final of the competition and they did not disappoint as the brave displays of Suraj Ayeleso who stood between the sticks for Plateau United ensured that both sides went for the break on even notes just as Detan Ogundare was marvelous for the Enugu side as the last man in defense.

Maikaba did a little rejig to the team as the second stanza commenced with the duo of Shedrack Asiegbu and Adamu Saidu making way for Ejike Uzoenyi and Samuel Pam but it was Plateau United that created the first opportunity for the opening goal in 48 minutes when Mustapha Ibrahim’ connecting left footed shot from the edge of the box was brilliantly pushed over the bar by Detan Ogundare.

Efforts from both sides to break the deadlock failed to materialise going into the later part of the match and in a counterattack by the Enugu side that saw left-back, Philip Clement released and on his way to goal but was upended by Adams Yakubu in the vital area and the referee awarded a penalty kick that was stabbed in by Obaje for the only and winning goal of the encounter on 90+2 minutes that qualified Rangers for the final match of the competition against Bendel Insurance of Benin in a repeat of the 1981 final match which the Enugu side won by 2-0.

Maikaba in a post-match chat, said, “I am a very happy man today after winning against my former side, Plateau United. It was a hard-fought encounter that could have gone either way but after our tactical change in the second half which pushed our opponent back and in one of our forays upfront, we were rewarded with a clear penalty call almost in the 90th minute of play and we converted to qualify for the final. Congratulations to all Rangers fans. It is my desire to win the Federation Cup for Rangers for the seventh time.”

Administrative Secretary of the Enugu side, Ferdinand Ugwuarua, said, “It was a very tough encounter which Plateau United had to succumb at the very last minute of the encounter. We take each game as they come and I am very sure that our final match against old rivals, Bendel Insurance F.C would be used to present a welcome gift to the new governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah.”

Match winner, Obaje said, “I give God all the glory for our win today over Plateau United. It was a very difficult match as Plateau is not a push-over. But due to our tactical discipline and determination to qualify. Scoring the late penalty was very difficult but with experience, I had to steel my nerves to score and ensure that our supporters who have been there for us, are given something to cheer this season.”

Rangers will play old rivals, Insurance F.C of Benin who have been on a roller-coaster ride since the start of the season for the third final match between both side with Insurance enjoying a 3-0 win in the 1978 final while Rangers replied with a 2-0 spanking of the ‘Benin Arsenals’ in the 1981 finals.