… as Ine Stars face Kebbi Utd
As the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) releases the fixtures for the 2024 Federation Cup Round of 64, the defending champions Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin will begin the defence of the 2023 title on May 1, at Area 3 in Abuja. Kick off time is 4 pm.
The Benin Arsenals have been drawn against Stormers SC of Ogun State just as the runners up in the Edo FA Cup, Ine Stars have been paired against Kebbi Utd in the same round in the same Area 3 in Abuna. The match between Ine Stars and Kebbi Utd is scheduled to kick off at 1pm.
The reigning champions Bendel Insurance defeated Enugu Rangers 1-0 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Delta State in 2023 to earn their fourth title since after 1980 edition and earned the right to participate in the 2023–24 CAF Confederation Cup.
Top striker Imade Osarenkhoe’s 45th minute spot kick earned Insurance the prestigious title at the expense of the six time champions.
The Benin Arsenals who began the process of this year’s FA Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over Ine Stars to lift Edo FA Cup last month will begin the 2024 campaign and defence of the 2023 title with NNL side Stormers SC on May 1.
The last time Insurance met Stormers SC was in the NNL 2021-2022 season and Insurance triumphed, 1-0 and 2-0 respectively.
Edo FA Cup runners up, Ine Stars of Benin, on the other hand have been drawn against Kebbi Utd in the same round.
Recall that Ine Stars defeated the Crusaders FC of Bayelsa 2-0 on 11th of this month in the rookies playoffs game in Asaba to qualify for the round of 64 while Insurance were on standby.
