Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Bendel Insurance Football Club for winning the 2023 edition of the NFF Tingo Federation Cup.
Bendel Insurance defeated Rangers International Football Club with a 1-0 scoreline via a penalty kick converted by Imade Osarenkhoe, in the finals of the Federation Cup played in Asaba, Delta State.
In a congratulatory statement to the champions signed by Governor Obaseki, he praised their impressive performance in the season which earned them the cup and urged them to work harder for continental glory.
The full statement reads: “I heartily congratulate Bendel Insurance Football Club for an impressive season run which culminated in the lifting of the Federation Cup trophy after defeating Rangers International Football Club in Asaba, Delta State.
“The team, fondly called the Benin Arsenal, have given an excellent account of themselves and made us all proud with their outstanding performance, which has continued to befuddle bookmakers.
“After having an unbeaten run in Group A of the abridged version of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), emerging with 18 matches unbeaten, they have proven their mettle by winning the Federation Cup.
“As the team embarks on continental action with their qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, I charge them to continue on their impressive run so as to place Edo on the continental map.”
The team last won the FA Cup trophy 43 years ago. The return to national prominence is symptomatic of the systematic transformation of the sports sector in the state, with Bendel Insurance being the poster child of efforts to return the state to prominence in sports.
The governor also had praises for the sports council, Insurance managers and supporters. He pledged continued support for sports development in the state.
“I extend congratulations to the Edo State Sports Commission, the management, players, supporters and fans of Bendel Insurance Football Club, in Edo State and in the Diaspora on the new trophy haul.
“As a government, we will continue to prioritize sports development and sustain investment in youth development so as to surpass the current tempo,” he added.
