Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin defeated Rangers International of Enugu 1-0 to win the 2023 FA Cup.
Imade Osarenkhoe, Benin Arsenal’s main striker, scored the sole goal of the final match at the Stephen Keshi stadium in Asaba, Delta state. In the 45th minute, Rangers’ Ugwueze Chinemerem blocked an Insurance goal-bound effort from Sodje Stephens, earning them a penalty kick that Imade converted.
The centre referee dismissed Rangers’ Ugwueze Chinemerem for a second yellow card. Petulance earned the midfielder his first yellow card.
After defeating six-time winners Rangers in Asaba, Bendel Insurance won the Nigeria 2023 FA Cup for the fourth time and will compete in the CAF Confederations Cup.
Sabina Chikere, Benin Arsenals’ General Coordinator, called Insurance’s season extraordinary and said that the FA Cup win and continental ticket were rewards for a hard effort.
She commended God and Edo State for the club’s achievement. She also praised club chairman and Deputy Governor of Edo state Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, who watched the whole game and rejoiced with his team in Asaba.
Insurance won the second-tier NNL and dominated group A of the abbreviated NPFL, finishing 34 points ahead of Enyimba FC, which won the league in the super six playoffs in Lagos.
Insurance FC beat ABS of Ilorin, Ahudiya FC of Abia, Heartland FC of Owerri, and Sunshine Stars 1-0 to reach the 2023 FA Cup final, where they overcame Warri Wolves 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in Lagos.
1972, 1978, and 1980 FA Cup winners were Benin Arsenals. In 1981, Rangers beat Insurance FC 2-0.
Bendel Insurance FC last played in the FA Cup finals in 2006 against PortHarcourt Dolphins, losing 4-2 in a shootout to the Rivers club.
On Monday, Odigie has taken Bendel Insurance from the second-tier league to the NPFL Super Six and FA Cup.
