Rivers Angel Coach Okon Says He Would Have Resigned Had His Team Failed To Qualify For NWPL Final

I would’ve resigned as Rivers Angels coach - Okon

By Admin

Head coach of Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt, Edwin Okon, has disclosed that, if the team had failed to book a place in Sunday's final in the NWPL Super 4, he would have resigned his appointment with the club.

Rivers Angels defeated Bayelsa Queens 4-2 on penalties after playing a goalless draw at the end of regulation time.

Okon, said he would not have had any option than to quit the club if the Restoration Girls had triumph, which would have meant losing three straight matches within one month to Bayelsa Queens, their perennial rival.

“Well, it was a good game between two rival teams but as the saying goes – once beaten twice shy.

“We have been beaten twice in two tournaments by the same team in a month and I thought it will not be good to lose the third one to same team again.

“In fact, I saw the clash as a payback time. I was close to quitting my job.

“I thank God that there was no goal in the course of the game, and we got victory after penalty shootouts for the decider."

The former Super Falcons chief coach revealed that, before the semi final clash, he had earlier told the team's young goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, that, if the game goes into penalties, she would stop three of the kicks. She was very composed and focused ahead of the match.

He added: "My expectation was that, she was good enough to stop more of those penalty kicks. We thanked God for the outcome of the match,” said the former Nigerian women coach to NWPL Media.

Okon said his eyes are now fixed on winning the top prize on Sunday against debutants, Confluence Queens.

“Yes, one thing at a time, we have grossed this bridge against Bayelsa Queens we are going back home to check who is fit and who is not but I know what it takes to be a champion.

“The players, too know what it takes to be champions or play at the highest stage of any competition. They are not going to sleep until we lift the trophy,” said Okon.

The Jewel of Rivers will confront newcomers, Confluence Queens in the final on Sunday to determine the 2018/2019 champions as well as who goes home with the whopping tournament prize money of N3m, as well as one week tour on invitation of the LaLiga Women's League in Spain.