Win first national title in 43 years
By Anne Azuka
Bendel Insurance have emerged the 2023 Federation Cup winners, their first national victory since 1980.
They defeated Enugu Rangers 1-0 in a final match that recalled similar pairing like that of 1978 and 1981.
It was a pulsating final at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the venue of the competition.
Imade Osarenkhoe scored the only goal of the game from the spot for Insurance after Rangers star, Chinemerem Ugwueze, was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
Despite giving the penalty, the centre referee for the day, Adebimpe Quadry, also awarded a yellow card to the player who already had a yellow card during the game leading to his sending off.
Rangers returned for the second half and had so many opportunities to restore parity despite playing with a man down.
The game however ended in Insurance favour as they set to represent the country in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Similarly, Bayelsa Queens defeated Rivers Angel 4-2 in the female federation cup finals played same day in penalty shoot out.
