Lagos, April 17, 2025 — The Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos will once again serve as the battleground for two of Nigeria’s most storied football clubs — Rangers International and Bendel Insurance — as they clash today in a high-stakes round of 16 encounter in the President Federation Cup.
With a combined 10 Federation Cup titles — Rangers boasting six and Insurance four — this fixture rekindles a historic rivalry that dates back decades in Nigeria’s oldest football competition.
Their Federation Cup duels have often produced iconic moments. In 1978, Bendel Insurance stunned the Flying Antelopes 3–0 in a final that shook the football community. Rangers responded in 1981, winning 2–0 in a revenge-fueled encounter. The rivalry was reignited most recently in the 2023 final, where Insurance edged Rangers 1–0 in Asaba, courtesy of a first-half penalty from Osarenkhoe Imade.
Now, both teams return to Mobolaji Johnson Arena — the same venue that hosted their 1978 and 1981 finals — with a semifinal ticket at stake.
Form Guide and Stakes
Rangers International, the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions, are going through a rough patch. With just three wins in their last 10 NPFL games, they’ve slipped to eighth on the log with five games remaining. However, head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu remains confident.
“I believe we have what it takes to go past our opponents, who I must confess are in their best form lately,” Ilechukwu told Rangers Media. “Despite our injury worries, we have the talent to get the job done in Lagos.”
Rangers had a challenging path to the round of 16, defeating Heartland 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
Bendel Insurance, on the other hand, are enjoying a resurgence. They’ve climbed to fifth in the NPFL table with 49 points, just four shy of a CAF Confederation Cup qualification spot. Their impressive recent run includes five wins, three draws, and two defeats in their last 10 matches.
They cruised into this round with a dominant 3–0 win over Adamawa United, showcasing their attacking prowess in the tournament.
Kickoff Time
The much-anticipated clash kicks off at 4:00 pm today at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, and with both clubs having rich histories and renewed ambitions, fans can expect a thrilling contest as they battle for a place in the last eight.
