…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. Bendel Insurance, also known as Benin Arsenal, ended their 43-year wait for a major title by emerging victorious in the 2023 Federation Cup.
The team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Enugu Rangers in the final match held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
This remarkable achievement not only earned them the Federation Cup trophy but also a prize money of 15 million naira.
Imade’s Penalty Secures Victory
In a thrilling encounter, Bendel Insurance claimed their fourth Federation Cup title with a goal from Osarenkhoe Imade’s first-half penalty kick.
The goal, scored in stoppage time, was Imade’s 10th goal of the 2022-2023 season in all competitions.
This crucial strike sealed the team’s victory and secured their place in the CAF Confederation Cup for the upcoming season.
Rivals Renewed: Insurance vs. Rangers
Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers are both esteemed teams in Nigerian football, having previously clashed in the Federation Cup final between 1978 and 1981.
In those three meetings, Insurance emerged victorious twice while Rangers won once.
This final marked the third time Bendel Arsenal triumphed over Rangers in the tournament’s decisive match.
Rangers Reduced to Ten Men
Enugu Rangers’ hopes were dampened when Igwueze Chinemere was shown the red card for a handball that led to the decisive penalty.
Reduced to ten men, Rangers faced an uphill battle against Bendel Insurance’s relentless attack.
Despite their disadvantage, Rangers put up a spirited fight, but ultimately, Bendel Insurance maintained their composure and secured the win.
Bayelsa Queens Clinch Women’s Federation Cup
Meanwhile, in the women’s edition of the 2023 Federation Cup, Bayelsa Queens emerged victorious by defeating Rivers Angels 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
This marked the second time in the history of Bayelsa Queens that they claimed the national tournament title.
The team was awarded a prize money of 10 million naira for their outstanding achievement.
Bayelsa Queens Show Penalty Precision
During the penalty shootout, Bayelsa Queens displayed exceptional composure and accuracy, converting all four of their attempts.
In contrast, Rivers Angels faltered, missing two of their four penalty kicks.
Bayelsa Queens’ resolute performance during the shootout sealed their triumph in the women’s 2023 Federation Cup.
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