Ruthless Bendel Insurance cruise past St.Andrews, seal Federation Cup slot
Bendel Insurance delivered a statement performance on Wednesday, April 22, sweeping aside St. Andrews FC 3-0 in the second semi-final of the Edo FA Cup to book their place in the 2026 President Federation Cup.
Playing with confidence and control at the Crescent Sports Club field, the Benin Arsenals wasted no time asserting dominance, putting the contest to bed before halftime in a ruthless display of attacking efficiency.
Promise Anyanwu set the tone early, firing Insurance ahead in the 14th minute to quieten the St. Andrews faithful. From there, Akuneto Chijioke took centre stage. The forward, who would go on to claim Man of the Match honours, struck twice in quick succession first in the 27th minute and again just three minutes later to hand the defending champions an unassailable lead.
Insurance’s sharp first-half performance not only secured victory but also served as sweet revenge after their feeder team had earlier fallen to St. Andrews in the competition.
With the job effectively done, the second half became a controlled exercise for the Insurance bench. The coaching crew rotated the squad extensively, managing the game while maintaining discipline and composure, despite injury setbacks to key defenders Itoro Promise and Ugwu Emmanuel.
Itoro was stretchered off with what appeared to be a suspected fracture, though the club’s medical team is yet to confirm the severity. Ugwu, meanwhile, suffered a left eyebrow tear, which was promptly treated.
Up next, Bendel Insurance will face Westgate FC in Sunday’s final at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with kickoff set for 4pm. Westgate secured their historic first-ever final appearance after overcoming Inne Stars in the other semi-final.
Regardless of the outcome, both finalists have already secured qualification for the President Federation Cup. However, for Bendel Insurance, the focus will be on extending their remarkable Edo FA Cup dominance, having lifted the title consecutively since 2019.
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