On Wednesday night at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Bendel Insurance overcame Rangers with 10 men by a score of 1-0 to claim the 2023 Federation Cup title.
Late in the first half, Imade Osehenkhoe scored the game-winning goal from the penalty spot.
The Benin Arsenal won their first Federation Cup in 43 years, and it was their fourth overall.
Insurance created the game’s first significant opportunity in the 16th minute, but Deputy Echeta’s deflected shot missed the mark.
After Rangers responded with a chance of their own, Amas Obasogie made a good save for a corner eight minutes later.
Both teams continued to look for the game’s first goal, with Rangers striker Godwin Obaje receiving a booking from the referee six minutes before halftime for a reckless tackle on Julius Emiloju.
After Chinerwm Ugbwueze handled the ball inside the area late in the first half, Bendel Insurance was given a penalty.
For the intentional deed, Ugbwueze was also expelled. He has previously been cited for a shoddy challenge on an adversary.
Detan Ogundare, the Rangers goalkeeper, was fooled by Osarenkhoe’s composed goal conversion.
Rangers made the opening shot after the interval even though they were down to 10 men.
Insurance’s head coach, Monday Odigie, made two replacements in the 51st minute after becoming dissatisfied with his team’s dominance.
Ismael Sarki and Zaidu Ayuba were replaced by Vincent Augustus and Ebenezer Odeyemi.
Both players had opportunities in the second session but fell short due to bad shooting.
In the event that Bendel Insurance triumphs, they will play in the CAF Confederation Cup the following year.
