NPFLFederation Cup Final: Insurance Camp Erupts In Joy As Nwachukwu Returns For Rangers Clash

Divine Nwanchukwu being warmly welcomed by Bendel Insurance team-mates

Excitement filled the air at the camp of Bendel Insurance on Monday as their star striker Divine Nwanchukwu rejoined the fold from international duty with Super Eagles against Sierra Leone in Monrovia on Sunday.

Coaches, officials and players delightfully welcome him back ahead of Wednesday’s Federation Cup final against Rangers at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the capital city of Delta State.

Their excitement is clearly depicted by the pictures above, which show them embracing the players and carrying him on their shadows for being a good ambassador of the club .

Nwanchukwu was one of a few home based players invited by Jose Paseiro for the AFCON tie. Even though he did not taste action in the encounter that ended 3-2 in favour of Nigeria at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, the rank and file of Bendel Insurance were overtly their appreciation and affection towards him at the training session.

The player took over the scoring responsibilities from Imade Osehenkhoe, who scored eight goals to emerge as the third highest scorer of the regular season behind Chukwuemeka Obioma of Enyimba and Bayelsa United’s Robert Mizo with 14 and right goals respectively. He was
the top scorer of the 2022-2023 NPFL Championship play-offs with three goals in five matches and he would be expected to replicate that form.against Rangers on Wednesday.

Insurance were defeated in 18 matches of the regular season, finishing top of Group A only to perform dismally in the Super 6, finishing second from bottom of the log without a win in five matches, mustering three points from three drawn matches.

Monday Odigie’s team now will strive to finish the season with a silverware by beating Rangers. Rivalries between both clubs dates back to 70s, with matching involving both never on a knife’s edge for either side.

Winner of the match will represent the country in next edition of CAF Confederation Cup alongside Rivers United, who finished third in the Super 6 behind Enyimba and Remo Stars.


Credit : Godwin Aikigbe

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