High-flying Bendel Insurance on Sunday took another step towards an unimaginable double after they earned a 1-0 win over Sunshine Stars to progress to the Federation Cup semi-final but former winners Lobi Stars have been eliminated.
In a keenly contested early afternoon game decided at the Awka City Stadium on Sunday, Insurance edged fellow NPFL Super Six contenders Sunshine Stars 1-0 courtesy of top marksman Imade Osarenkhoe who converted from the penalty spot in the 57th minute.
Insurance will now face second division side Warri Wolves in the semi-final after the Seasiders eliminated Super Six hopefuls Lobi Stars in Ijebu-Ode.
Wolves, coached by former Under 17 assistant coach Jolomi Atune defeated Mohammed Baba Ganaru’s side 2-1 at the Dipo Dina Stadium. Wolves went in front just before half time through Jabbal Malik who was a first half substitute.
Lobi Stars equalised in the 57th minute through their talismanic playmaker Joseph Atule who poked home Suur Kumaga’s cross. The 2013 beaten finalists however ensured they would be the only second division side in the final four when Christian Izuchukwu scored with eighteen minutes left.
Plateau United are also through to the final four after the Tin City side defeated Kwara United in a North Central derby in Abuja. Despite dominating most of the exchanges, Kwara United were undone by a 45th minute strike by midfielder Yakubu Adam.
United will face 2018 winners Rangers International in the semi-final after the Flying Antelopes defeated Doma United 1-0 at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
Winger Chidiebere Nwobodo scored the lone goal for Abdu Maikaba’s men with ten minutes left on the clock after he latched onto Philip Clement’s ball to finish beyond Doma goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi.
With the quarter final matches concluded, the Federation Cup will now go on hibernation till after the conclusion of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Super Six PlayOffs is concluded.
