… battle Rangers for the trophy.
Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin City on Thursday qualified for the 2023 Federation Cup final after beating Warri Wolves 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the semifinal match played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
The entire 90 minutes regulation period of the entertaining and explosive match had ended 0-0 before the teams went into penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Bendel Insurance defence strongman Benjamin Tanimu missed the fourth kick, while Ebenezer Odeyemi, Divine Nwachukwu and Ebuka Akobundu converted theirs against the seasiders who lost their first kick and their last two to surrender to the Benin Arsenals.
The three times champions of the Nigeria FA Cup Bendel Insurance will be meeting six times champions Rangers of Enugu in the final.
The coach Monday Odigie led Bendel Insurance FC have been in spectacular form this season as they have now remained invincible in all competitions, ending the NPFL Abridged League Group A as leaders with 34 points without losing any match, as well as winning all FA Cup matches to reach the final.
On the road to the 2023 Federation Cup final, Insurance FC defeated ABS 1-0, Ahudiya FC 1-0, Heartland 1-0 and Sunshine Stars with same 1-0 goal margin.
The Benin Arsenals won the FA Cup in 1972,1978 and 1980. They defeated Rangers 3-0 in the 1978 finals but Rangers revenged in 1981 edition, handing Insurance FC 2-0 defeat.
Bendel Insurance FC last appearance in the FA Cup final was in 2006 against Dolphins of PortHarcourt, and lost 4-2 on penalties to the Rivers State team.
Meanwhile, Coach Monday Odigie who is close to making history with Bendel Insurance, having led the team from the wilderness of Nigeria second tier league; NNL to NPFL Super Six and FA cup final, said his team is not carried away by the successes they have recorded this season.
He expressed the confidence in his young team’s ability to lift the FA Cup, insisting that his side will remain humble and take the final game against Rangers and Super Six matches as they come.
“Our match with Warri Wolves was very tight and difficult for us but I thank God we eventually won because we missed many chances.” He added.
Bendel Insurance FC who are enjoying the total support of the Edo State Government have also booked a place in the inaugural NAIJA Super 8 competition after their teeming fans voted massively for their darling team.
