Bendel Insurance retains Edo FA Cup after beating Westgate FC 2-0

Posted : 27 April 2026

Bendel Insurance Football Club have defeated Westgate FC 2-0 to emerge champions of the 2026 Edo State President Federation Cup.

Alex Oweifaleya and Kayode Oke scored in the 10th and 88th minutes to give the Benin Arsenals the deserved victory against the newcomers. Yazid Adamu's assist from his trademark curled cross from the left flank found a well-positioned Alex Oweifaleya for the clinical header.

The little-known opponents however showed class and why they got to the finals as they staged a good fight with compact teamwork, but the defending champions Bendel Insurance players proved tough and difficult for rookies to disgrace.

Westgate FC gained numerical strength in the 81st minute when Insurance captain Efe Enabulele was sent off for petulance.

Against all expectations that Westgate FC would have the upper hand and capitalize on the decimated Insurance side, Insurance tactician Kennedy Boboye immediately effected a tactical switch, leaving only Kayode Oke upfront as a lone striker after substituting Anyanwu Promise for highly experienced right back Stanley Okorom who brought stability to the team.

Seven minutes later, Kayode Oke capitalized on Westgate FC's defensive error and slotted in the Benin Arsenals' second goal into an empty net.

Both teams have already qualified as Edo State representatives at the national stage of the competition before the result.

The Benin Arsenals are the most decorated side in the state as they have consistently won it since 2019. Insurance FC won the national FA Cup in 2023, and have won it three times since inception and are as well two-time league champions.

Bendel Insurance FC on the road to the 2026 FA Cup finals, defeated Delight FC 2-1 in the quarter-finals and also thrashed ST. Andrews FC 3-0 in the semi-finals.

Westgate FC, on the other hand, beat Namo FC 3-2 before edging Benin Warriors in the quarter-finals, and as well saw off Ine Stars 1-0 in the semi-finals.

Insurance FC young striker Alex Oweifaleya received an individual award of the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament during the closing ceremony of the Edo FA Cup at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.

In a post-match interview, the technical manager of Bendel Insurance FC, Coach Kennedy Boboye, praised his opponents for their show of strong character.

"Let me commend our opponents Westgate FC. They played good football and were compact. They dictated the pace in the second half. The two goals are the only thing separating the two sides. Let me also congratulate my boys for their resilience and for taking the chances we got. It would have been a different story if we had failed to convert the chances we got," he said.

On the prospect of making an impact at the President Federation Cup, coach Kennedy Boboye said that he will definitely fortify the team ahead of the competition. He expressed delight after winning his first laurel for the Benin Arsenals.

This victory further solidifies Bendel Insurance's status as the dominant force in Edo State football as they look toward national success. Coach Kennedy Boboye’s successful tactical adjustments ensured the Benin Arsenals maintained their winning streak despite the late red card. Both Bendel Insurance and Westgate FC now prepare to represent the state with high expectations in the upcoming President Federation Cup.

Bendel Insurance retains Edo FA Cup after beating Westgate FC 2-0

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