Nigerian football heavyweights Rangers International and Bendel Insurance reignite their historic rivalry today, Wednesday in a high-stakes round of 16 clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, in the ongoing President Federation Cup.
With a combined 10 FA Cup titles—Rangers with six and Insurance with four—the two sides are among the most decorated in the competition’s history and headline the battle for a place in the quarterfinals of Nigeria’s oldest football tournament.
Their storied past includes three Federation Cup clashes, two of which were finals hosted at the same Lagos venue. The rivalry began in 1978 when Insurance stunned the Flying Antelopes with a 3-0 win in the final. Rangers returned the favor in 1981, defeating the Benin-based side 2-0. Most recently, Insurance edged Rangers 1-0 in the 2023 final in Asaba, courtesy of an Osarenkhoe Imade penalty.
Wednesday’s encounter marks another chapter in their storied FA Cup history, with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m.
Despite a recent dip in league form, Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu remains upbeat about his team’s chances. “I believe we have what it takes to go past our opponents, who are in great form. Despite our injury worries, we have the talent to get the job done in Lagos,” Ilechukwu told club media.
Rangers have won just three of their last 10 Nigeria Premier Football League matches, sliding to eighth place with five games remaining. Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, have surged to fifth on the NPFL table with 49 points, just four points shy of a continental qualification spot. Their recent form includes five wins, three draws, and two losses from their last 10 games.
In the previous round, Bendel Insurance cruised past Adamawa United with a 3-0 victory, maintaining their free-scoring run. Rangers had a tougher task, edging Heartland 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Mobolaji Johnson Arena is set for a classic cup tie as two giants of Nigerian football go head-to-head once more.
