By Francis Ajuonuma
After a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Plateau United that saw them secure their place in this year’s Federation Cup Rangers International F.C of Enugu captain, Uche John and shot-stopper, Detan Ogundare have now set their eyes on winning the trophy at the expense of arch-rivals, Bendel Insurance of Benin.
Speaking after helping the Flying Antelopes beat Plateau United in the semi-finals at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the defense lynch-pin stated that the Federation Cup would be used to assuage the fans for their support all through the season, especially in the NPFL 2023 season where they failed to live up to expectation.
“Sincerely, I am very glad about our display today and I am optimistic of taking this form into the final match and being crowned champions of the oldest club competition in the country. We expect a very tough match in the finals but with the determination and zeal to succeed in the team now, I don’t see us failing to win the match against Insurance by the special grace of God,” said a highly elated Uche John.
On his part, goalkeeper, Ogundare, who was in superlative form against the ‘Tin City’ side, described the victory as a reward for hard work, determination, and steadfastness to succeed which he believes will take them past the challenge Bendel Insurance pose in the final match.
“God is the reason for our passage to the final match of the Federation Cup and I am optimistic of we being crowned champions this year. I just believe that our team has pick form at the right time because what we had in the regular league season was not palatable. We hope to use the trophy to compensate for our not-too-good display in the league,” stated the agile shot-stopper who has kept six clean sheets in the last nine matches he was between the sticks for the six-time champions.
This year’s final match between the traditional foes will be the third time they will be facing off with each enjoying a win apiece just as the ‘Flying Antelopes’ will be looking to make it a seventh win to close up the gap held by Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan who have won the oldest club competition a record, eight times while Insurance will be chasing a 4th win.
Also, this encounter will bring back memories when the likes of Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala, Nnamdi Nwokocha, Emeka Onyedika, Chimezie Ngadi, Christian Madu, Ogidi Ibeabuchi, Stanley Okoronkwo, and many more would march into the stadium in their immaculate all-white outfit for Rangers to challenge the likes of Kadiri Ikhana, Agwo Nnaji, Felix Agbunifo, Peter Egharevba, Henry Ogboe, Leotis Boateng and other in their all-yellow outfit for the Benin side.
