WAFU Zone B Qualifiers: Rivers Angels In Ivory Coast To Win Trophy, says Okon

WAFU Zone B Qualifiers: Rivers Angels Ready To Make Nigeria Proud, says Okon By Our Reporter Ahead of their first match against Hasaaca Ladies of Ghana on Saturday, head coach of Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon says his team is ready to fly Nigeria's flag high and put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. To emerge Nigeria's sole representative, Rivers Angels won the 2020-21 Nigerian Women's Football League title at the Super Six Playoff held in Ijebu Ode in April. In Abidjan, the Jewels of Rivers will be aiming to clinch one of the two tickets to qualify for the maiden edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League billed to hold in Egypt later this year and Okon is upbeat about their chance. "We are here to make ourselves proud first, make our sponsors and entire Nigeria proud, as making it to this stage wasn't an easy task," he stated. "We are assuring the people of Rivers State, our fans, the entire Nigerians that we not going to disappoint them." The tactician, who led the Super Falcons to Africa Women's Cup of Nations title reclaim in Namibia 2014, admitted that his team is under pressure to reciprocate the country's dominance but is assuring they would provide a quality representation. "As the Nigerian champions, you should be under pressure because you must deliver, the players and officials know what is at stake, so we are not leaving anything undone as concerns this competition," he continued. "We are here to make Nigeria proud. We are here to win the trophy, our target is the goal medal." On the other hand, head coach of Husaacas Ladies, Yusuf Basigi acknowledged the pedigree of Rivers Angels as one of the best African clubs but is insisting his side will not offer them an easy ride. "Rivers Angels are here with an intention to win and we are also here with an intention to win too," he started. "It would have been good if we were both in different groups and met in the semi finals or finals that is the climax of the tournament because looking at it. "I have so much respect for Rivers Angels. Most of my players in the national team played for them, Elizabeth Addo and others, this informed me to prepare very well for this match." Rivers Angels versus Husaacas Ladies match is the first match in group B and will kick off 7pm (8pm Nigerian time) at Stade Robert Champroux, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.