June 02, (THEWILL) – Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers, two prominent teams in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), have earned their spots in the final of this year’s FA Cup, setting the stage for a riveting encounter that will rekindle their age-long rivalry.
Enugu Rangers, a six-time FA Cup winner, secured their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Plateau United in Ijebu Ode. The match seemed destined for a penalty shootout but former NPFL top scorer, Godwin Obaje, found the back of the net in stoppage time to seal the win for the Flying Antelopes.
Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance, a three-time FA Cup champion, faced a tough challenge from second-tier side, Warri Wolves, in the other semi-final clash held in Lagos. The Bendel derby ended in a goalless draw in regulation time, forcing the match to be decided by penalties. It was a nerve-wracking affair, with both teams displaying tremendous resilience. In the end, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie emerged as the hero for Monday Odigie’s side, making a crucial save in the fifth penalty kick after captain Benjamin Tanimu had failed to seal the win for Bendel Insurance with the fourth.
This final matchup between Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers carries added significance as it rekindles their past encounters in the 1978 and 1981 FA Cup editions. The teams have a history of intense competition, with Bendel Insurance emerging victorious in the 1978 final, securing a commanding 3-0 win. However, Enugu Rangers turned the tables in the 1981 final, triumphing with a 2-0 victory.
As the Nigeria Football Federation prepares to announce the date for this year’s final, fans of the domestic game eagerly anticipate witnessing the rekindling of this storied rivalry on the grand stage.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
