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.
