2025 President Federation Cup: Rangers Int'l FC breaks Bendel Insurance FC's heart with lone goal victory

Posted : 17 April 2025

Godwin Obaje's calmly taken penalty on the stroke of half-time was enough to secure Rangers International FC of Enugu a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in their President Federation Cup round of 16 clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, on Wednesday evening.

The 'Flying Antelopes' booked their place in the quarter-finals of Nigeria's oldest club competition thanks to the decisive spot kick, awarded after Obaje himself was brought down inside the box by Insurance goalkeeper Joshua Baba.

The incident occurred following a swift counter-attacking move initiated by Ugwueze Chinemerem, who expertly set up the former league top scorer.

Prior to the breakthrough, Rangers had squandered several opportunities to take the lead.

Kingsley Maduforo, Silas Nenrot, and Isaac Saviour all saw their attempts miss the target, leaving their coach Fidelis Ilechukwu with moments of frustration on the touchline.

The second half saw both teams inject fresh energy into their lineups in search of more goals. Bendel Insurance emerged with renewed attacking intent, creating several openings.

However, the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions demonstrated their defensive resilience, packing their area and thwarting the Benin side's advances.

A standout performance came from teenage substitute goalkeeper Divine Onuorah, who enjoyed a memorable debut, showcasing impressive reflexes and composure to keep a clean sheet.

Speaking after the keenly contested encounter, Rangers' technical adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, acknowledged the toughness of the opposition.

"It was a great game for both sides. I expected a tough game from our opponents, and they showed what they're made of, but we dug deep to get the desired win, and we give God all the glory," he said.

"We keep fighting and working on our team as we head into the last matches of the NPFL and the remaining games of the Federation Cup. We are still positive going into the end of the season."

Rangers' reward for their victory is a quarter-final showdown against Plateau United.

The date and venue for this highly anticipated clash will be determined by the competition organizers.

Before that, however, the Enugu-based side will turn their attention back to the NPFL, as they are set to face Lobi Stars FC in a Match Day 34 encounter this weekend. Interestingly, this league fixture will take place at Lobi Stars' adopted home ground in Enugu.

2025 President Federation Cup: Rangers Int'l FC breaks Bendel Insurance FC's heart with lone goal victory

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