It was one goal and two standout performances that made the difference as Rangers International FC of Enugu booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 President Federation Cup. A calm penalty from Godwin Obaje and a steady debut display by young goalkeeper Divine Onuorah sealed a tight but well-earned 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.
For fans of Nigerian football, this was a match that showed the beauty of simplicity—taking your chance and protecting your lead.
Obaje Stays Cool, Calm, and Clinical
The deciding moment came just before halftime. A lightning-fast counter-attack started by Ugwueze Chinemerem caught Bendel Insurance off guard. His perfectly timed through ball found Obaje on the move. The striker took a sharp touch and charged into the box before being brought down by Bendel’s goalkeeper, Joshua Baba.
Penalty.
Obaje, no stranger to big moments, stepped up and sent Baba the wrong way with a composed finish. No drama, just results. It was his goal, but it felt like the team’s reward after a flurry of missed chances earlier in the first half from the boots of Kingsley Maduforo, Silas Nenrot, and Isaac Saviour.
The Debut Nobody Saw Coming
While the goal got Rangers in front, it was the young shot-stopper at the other end who kept them there.
Divine Onuorah, making his debut in such a high-stakes match, put in a performance that fans will remember for a long time. Still in his teens, Divine didn’t just fill in — he owned the moment. From collecting crosses to stopping sharp attempts from Bendel’s front line, he showed timing, confidence, and calm that felt far beyond his age.
As Bendel Insurance pushed hard in the second half, Divine became the quiet wall behind Rangers’ defense.
Coach Fidelis Reflects, Looks Ahead
After the final whistle, Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu praised both sides for the intensity of the contest.
“It was a great game for both teams. We expected Bendel to come strong and they did, but we stayed focused and made our moments count,” he said.
With the win secured, Rangers now look ahead to a quarter-final clash against Plateau United. Date and venue will be announced by the Federation Cup organizers, but the energy around the team is already growing.
But First, Back to NPFL
Before the next cup battle, Rangers will shift gears back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), where they face Lobi Stars FC this weekend in a Match Day 34 showdown. Fun twist? The match will take place in Enugu — Lobi Stars’ current adopted home ground — giving Rangers a chance to play a “home away from home” fixture.
Final Whistle
One well-taken penalty. One composed keeper.
That’s what it took for Rangers to edge through to the next round of Nigeria’s oldest cup competition. Did you miss the match? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Catch all the action, now! – WATCH HERE
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