Defending champions Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin have crashed out of the 2024 President Federation Cup after losing 2-0 to Nigeria National League (NNL) side Wikki Tourists of Bauchi on Wednesday May 22, 2024 in Abuja Center.
Second half goals from Promise Damala (68) and Owolabi Aremu’s 94th minute dresser made it a convincing win for the Tourists and end of the road for the Benin Arsenals.
Promise Damala struck with a clinical free kick that went straight into the net to give the Bauchi side the lead.
It was when coach Monday Odigie- led Benin Arsenals attempted to get an equaliser that Owolabi Aremu got the second goal to seal victory for his side.
The first half of the Federation cup round of 32 encounter had ended goalless after strong resistance from both sides at Area 3 field in Abuja.
The Benin Arsenals defeated Rangers 1-0 at the Stephen Keshi stadium to win the 2023 title on their return to the premier League after a decade in the nation’s second division.
Meanwhile, as the league actions resume at the weekend, Bendel Insurance will be focusing on their next engagement which is the Matchday 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with Sunshine Stars of Akure on Saturday.
Kick-off time is 4:00pm at the Akure Township Stadium.
Insurance, currently occupy the 8th position on the league table with 45 points while their hosts Sunshine Stars are on 17 with 39 points.
