Rivers Angels Claim 10th President Federation Cup Title, Beat Nasarawa Amazons

Rivers Angels Claim 10th President Federation Cup Title, Beat Nasarawa Amazons

Sampson Adedeji

Rivers Angels have successfully defended their President Federation Cup crown after staging a dramatic comeback to defeat Nasarawa Amazons on penalties in Saturday's final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The victory marks Rivers Angels' 10th President Federation Cup title, further cementing their dominance in the competition.

The Port Harcourt-based side came from two goals down to draw 2-2 in regulation time before triumphing 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

Top dignitaries, including former Nigerian internationals Segun Odegbami, Joseph Yobo, Friday Ekpo, Precious Dede, Chikelue Iloanusi, and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau, were in attendance for the thrilling final.

Nasarawa Amazons started strongly, creating their first chance just two minutes in, but Rivers Angels goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi made a crucial point-blank save.

The breakthrough came in the 7th minute when Odushola Shobowale slotted home after the Rivers Angels keeper failed to properly handle a cross.

Rivers Angels almost responded in the 12th minute, but Aminat Folorunsho’s header from a corner sailed just over the bar. Shobowale doubled Nasarawa’s lead in the 17th minute, smashing home a left-footed volley that ricocheted off the crossbar and into the net after another handling error from the Rivers Angels goalkeeper.

Nasarawa nearly extended their advantage moments later when Janet Akekoromowei’s strike struck the post twice before being cleared.

The Amazons were forced into an early substitution, with Joy Igbokwe leaving injured and Faridat Abdulwahab coming on in her place.

 In first-half stoppage time, Nasarawa’s goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare kept the scoreline intact, tipping a dangerous effort over for a corner.

Rivers Angels made a tactical switch at the start of the second half, introducing Chisom Nwachukwu for Titilayo Aweda.

The comeback began in the 57th minute as Taiwo Ajibade calmly converted a well-placed free-kick to reduce the deficit. Five minutes later, Taiwo Afolabi levelled the game at 2-2, lofting the ball into an empty net after the Nasarawa goalkeeper failed to deal with a cross.

Nasarawa Amazons had a late opportunity to retake the lead, but Bibiana Odoh narrowly missed connecting with a dangerous cross inside the box.

With no winner after regulation time, the match was settled via penalties, where Rivers Angels held their nerve, converting all four of their spot-kicks, while Nasarawa Amazons missed two, handing Rivers Angels a hard-fought 4-2 shootout victory.