A composed penalty from Godwin Obaje on the stroke of half-time was all Rangers International FC of Enugu needed to edge past Bendel Insurance 1-0 in a tense Round of 16 clash in the President Federation Cup, held Wednesday evening at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
The ‘Flying Antelopes’ booked their spot in the quarter-finals of Nigeria’s oldest football competition courtesy of Obaje’s spot-kick, awarded after the striker was brought down in the box by Insurance goalkeeper Joshua Baba. The foul followed a quick counter-attack sparked by Ugwueze Chinemerem, who delivered a perfect pass to set Obaje through on goal.
Despite dominating early exchanges, Rangers were wasteful in front of goal, with Kingsley Maduforo, Silas Nenrot, and Isaac Saviour all missing chances that could have put them ahead. Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu could only watch in frustration as his side struggled to convert their dominance into goals.
After the break, both sides made changes in search of a breakthrough. Insurance came out with renewed purpose and piled pressure on the Rangers defense. But the Enugu-based side remained resolute, with a standout performance from debutant teenage goalkeeper Divine Onuorah, whose confident display and crucial saves ensured a clean sheet.
Following the hard-fought win, coach Ilechukwu praised his team’s grit and acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents.
“It was a great game for both sides. I expected a tough match and Bendel Insurance didn’t disappoint. We had to dig deep to secure the win, and we thank God for the result,” he said.
“Now, we stay focused as we continue to push in the league and in the Federation Cup. The season isn’t over yet.”
Rangers will now face Plateau United in the quarter-finals, with date and venue to be announced by the competition organizers.
Before that, however, their attention shifts back to the Nigeria Premier Football League, where they take on Lobi Stars this weekend in a Match Day 34 fixture—an intriguing twist, as the game is scheduled to take place in Enugu, which currently serves as Lobi Stars’ adopted home ground.
2025 President Federation Cup Quarter-Final Pairings
Abakaliki FC Vs Nasarawa United
Wikki Tourists Vs Ikorodu City
Akwa United Vs Kwara United
Plateau United Vs Rangers Int’l
