Bendel Insurance got the better of Enugu Rangers in a 1-0 victory at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, on Wednesday night, to win the 2023 Tingo Federation Cup. Imade Osarenkhoe scored the only goal of the game from the spot and the Benin Arsenals made sure to not concede.

Bendel Insurance had a great start to the season. A newly promoted side who stamped their foot on the league early on, holding their unbeaten run and surpassing Akwa United’s 18-game record.

But it soon became a thing of concern when Monday Odigie’s men went six games without a win and one win in 12 games, with the side also struggling to convert.

Akwa United set the former longest unbeaten record (18) during the 2020/21 season and they went ahead to win the league, unlike Bendel who failed to up their game in the super six playoffs, which saw them miss out on not just the league title but also continental places.

To make up for all of that, Bendel Insurance won the Federation Cup for the first time in 43 years and grabbed the last continental spot available to Nigeria – CAF Confederation Cup, and fifteen million Naira prize money. The Benin Arsenals wrapped up the competition without conceding a goal.

As it happened 

The game got underway with both sides making early attempts at goal, it got pretty heated in the eight minute when Bendel’s Zaidu Ayuba and a Rangers defender got carded after an argument in the box.

A chance went begging in the 16th minute with Imade Osarenkhoe and Deputy Echeta failing to get the better of Rangers defence.

Enugu Rangers had a good spell of the game when an attempt to break away was halted by Bendel in the 21st minute. Not long after, Chidiebere surged forward but his attempt failed to get it in, as it landed in the side netting, getting his side a corner instead.

Bendel took back the attack with an acrobatic effort to whip it in in the 28th minute but it went up, up and away.

And just when it looked like it was going to be a stalemate at the break, a penalty was awarded to Bendel Insurance after a handball by Chinerem Ugbuezein the 18-yard box. Enugu Rangers were reduced to ten men, with Chinerem Ugwueze sent off following a Second yellow.

Imade converted from the spot to give the Benin Arsenals the lead going into the break.

Enugu Rangers, despite being one man short, got into the second half, all fired up and controlling the game. In the 54th minute, a double attempt was made by Rangers but Bendel was quick to get rid of the danger, protecting their lead.

Subsequently, Bendel Insurance tried to double their lead with a well-worked attempt but it was saved by the Rangers keeper. The 90 minutes, plus time added on, elapsed and it was Bendel Insurance who held their own and got their hands on the trophy.