Late Enabulele strike sends Bendel Insurance into Edo FA Cup Semi-Finals

Posted : 10 April 2026

Defending champions Bendel Insurance FC had to dig deep to secure their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Edo State FA Cup, overcoming a determined Delight Football Academy side 2-1 in a keenly contested quarter-final clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

Despite coming into the competition fresh from a first-round bye, the Benin Arsenals were quickly up to speed, asserting early dominance in possession and attacking intent.

Their bright start paid off in the 11th minute when Kayode Oke calmly finished off a well-worked move to hand the holders an early advantage.

Delight FA, however, refused to be overawed by their more illustrious opponents. Showing commendable organization and attacking bravery, they gradually grew into the game and found their reward in the 32nd minute. Chuka Nwaigwe capitalized on a defensive lapse to restore parity, sending a wave of belief through the underdogs heading into the latter stages.

The second half saw Bendel Insurance raise their intensity, controlling the midfield exchanges and probing for openings, while Delight FA remained compact and dangerous on the counter.

As the match edged toward a tense finish, it was leadership and quality that ultimately made the difference.

Skipper Efe Enabulele stepped up in the 77th minute with a moment of brilliance, curling a superb free-kick from about 22 yards beyond the reach of the goalkeeper to hand his side the decisive lead.

The goal not only settled the contest but also underlined the champions’ pedigree in crucial moments.

Delight FA pushed forward in search of a late equalizer, but Bendel Insurance’s defense held firm to see out the victory and maintain their title defense momentum.

With this result, Bendel Insurance FC march into the semi-finals where they are set to face St. Andrews FC in what promises to be another intriguing encounter.

Having shown both resilience and experience, the defending champions will be confident, but their performance against Delight FA also serves as a reminder that the road to retaining the trophy will demand consistency and composure under pressure.

The narrow victory ensures the Benin Arsenals remain on track to defend their crown following a testing afternoon at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. While Delight FA exit the competition with their heads held high, Bendel Insurance now turns its focus toward the upcoming semi-final clash. The holders must maintain this clinical edge if they are to successfully navigate the final hurdles of the Edo FA Cup.

Late Enabulele strike sends Bendel Insurance into Edo FA Cup Semi-Finals

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