Bendel Insurance wins trophy, after 28 years

Imade Osarenkhoe was the hero giving Bendel Insurance the victory over Rangers to lift Federation Cup

Imade Osarenkhoe was the hero giving Bendel Insurance the victory over Rangers to lift Federation Cup

 

Bendel Insurance of Benin has defeated 10-man Rangers International of Enugu 1-0, to emerge winners of the 2023 NFF/Tingo Federation Cup, on Wednesday.

The match which was played at the Stephen Keshi Memorial Stadium, Asaba, capital of Delta State; was not top grade soccer according to spectators.

But a foul at halftime, gave a penalty spot against the Rangers while the offender was sent off, for receiving a second yellow card. But Rangers team and fans protested the referee’s decision until replays on TV monitors showed a handball by a Ranger’s defender.

Imade Osarenkhoe, Insurance’s leading scorer, did not disappoint with the penalty and the lone goal gave the Benin Arsenal a major trophy, for the first time since 1995.

The club will pocket N15 million prize money, and go on to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

Author