High-flying Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Bendel Insurance destroyed the ambitions of three-time Nigerian cup champions Heartland in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Federation Cup, thesportsbay.com reports.
The ‘Benin Arsenal’ earned a spirited victory to advance to the quarterfinals at the Akwa City Stadium in Anambra thanks to a goal by Ismael Sarki in the 47th minute.
Bendel Insurance won by a score of 1-0 and will now play seven other teams in the quarterfinals as they continue their historic quest for their first cup victory in 43 years.
The Benin team has won the Federation Cup three times, in 1972, 1978, and 1980.
Meanwhile, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, NPFL side Sunshine Stars overcame NNL club side EFCC FC in a thrilling 3-2 game to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Sunshine Stars had on the final day of the NPFL season over the weekend, secured a place in the Super 6 playoffs to compete for the league title.
In the other games played, Kwara United defeated Nasarawa United by a lone goal while Warri Wolves halted the progress of Gombe United with another 1-0 win.
Enugu Rangers showed their superiority over FC Ebiede with a 3-2 win just as Plateau United defeated Ingas FC 3-1.
Doma United who had an impressive season defeated Edel FC 2-1 while the game between Bendel Insurance feeders and Lobi Stars was halted by heavy downpour at 36 minutes.
Lobi Stars were losing 2-1 and will have the chance to take control of the game when it is continued today.
