The 2023 Tingo Federation Cup Final is set to take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, tomorrow – June 21, 2023, with Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels going at it in the Women’s division by 14:00hrs and Bendel Insurance taking on Enugu Rangers in the Men’s side of the divide, by 17:00hrs.

Women’s Final: Bayelsa Queen vs Rivers Angels

Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels are arguably the best sides in the Nigerian Women’s topflight. Bayelsa Queens won the last edition of the competition in 2021 when it was known as the AITEO Cup.

Both sides have represented Nigeria in the continent with Bayelsa Queens finishing third at last year’s CAF Women’s Champions League. 

In the last meeting between the sides in the NWFL, Bayelsa Queens came out victorious, winning 1-0 to advance to the final which they eventually lost to the Delta Queens.

Bayelsa Queens head coach, Domo Okara said that he wants to win the trophy as compensation for missing out on the league title and or the team’s supporters that lost their lives during NWFL Super Six.

Who will come out victorious?

Men’s Final: Bendel Insurance vs Enugu Rangers

Continental places are up for grabs when both sides meet, as the champion will join Rivers United in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

Bendel Insurance would be looking to get something tangible out of the season, other than a 21-game unbeaten run while Enugu Rangers would look to salvage their rocky season.

This is the third meeting between the two sides, they locked horns in 1978 & 1981. The Benin Arsenal won 3-0 in 1978 while the Flying Antelopes won 2-0 in 1981.

Six-time champions, Enugu Rangers last won the Cup in 2018, after an inexplicable comeback against Kano Pillars, while Bendel Insurance hasn’t won the Cup since 1980.

This year’s edition was initially scheduled for June 18 but was moved to tomorrow, June 21, due to Bendel Insurance’s participation in the NPFL Super Six Championship playoff in Lagos.

Who takes the third?

Road to Final

Bendel Insurance

RO64- 1-0 vs ABS Illorin FC

RO32- 1-0 vs Ahudiya FC

RO16- 1-0 vs Heartland FC

Quarter Final- 1-0 vs Sunshine Stars

Semi Final- 0-0 (3-2 on penalties) vs Warri Wolves

Enugu Rangers

RO64  –  vs Adamawa United (Work over)

R032  – 2-0 vs Kano Pillars FC

RO16  – 3-1 vs FC Ebedei

QF       -1-0 vs Doma United

SF        -1-0 vs Plateau United

• Bendel Insurance is yet to concede a goal in the competition, keeping 5 clean sheets in 5 games in regulation time.

Krist Mbah, the permanent secretary of the Enugu State Ministry of Youths and Sport, said:

“All we want from the players and management of Rangers International FC is to be committed and see the final match as a door to bigger successes…”   

NFF has appointed Referees to officiate the Cup final.

For the Men’s Final between Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers, FIFA badge referee, Quadri Adebimpe will handle the proceedings.

And for the Women’s Final between Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels, FIFA badge referee, Yemisi Akintoye would be the Center Referee.

The full list of match officials:

Bendel Insurance vs Rangers

ADEBIMPE QUADRI (LG) – REF

MOHAMMED Y. MAHAMUD (BA) – AR1

AHMED T MOHAMMED (KT) – AR2

GREMA MOHAMMED (BO) – RR

NASIRU IBRAHIM (KN) – RA

YEMISI AKINTOYE (LG) REF

MFON FRIDAY (AK) – AR1

BEAUTY TERAH (FCT) – AR2

NDIDI MADU (EN) – RR

INDO MARYAM (BA) – RA