Rivers Angels, Naija Ratels clash in Fed Cup final
Eight-time Nigeria Women Football League champions, Rivers Angels, have advanced to the final of the women’s Federation Cup. They will face Naija Ratels at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday.
Rivers Angels secured their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over rivals Delta Queens at the Awka City Stadium on Sunday. The former champions took an early lead in the semi-final with quick goals from Blessing Okpe and Peace Effiong within the first six minutes. Maureen Okpala pulled one back for Delta Queens just before halftime, but it wasn’t enough to stop last year’s finalists.
The Port Harcourt-based team aims to avoid a repeat of last year’s final loss to Bayelsa Queens when they take on Naija Ratels on Saturday.
Naija Ratels also advanced to the final on Sunday, edging newcomers Remo Stars Ladies 7-6 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regular time at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Naija Ratels took the lead in the 19th minute, but the Ikenne side responded with a goal from Simisoluwa Okesiji in the 38th minute. Vincent Precious then headed Remo Stars into the lead in the second half. However, Naija Ratels equalized in stoppage time and maintained their composure to win the shootout despite missing one of their first five kicks.
With Super Falcons legend Onome Ebi having played for them earlier in the season, Naija Ratels hope to claim their first major piece of silverware in Nigerian women’s football. They will face the competition’s most successful team, Rivers Angels, who have won the cup a record eight times, missing only one edition between 2010 and 2018. Rivers Angels were also runners-up in 2002, 2008, 2019, and 2023.
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