For the second season in a row, Rivers Angels have emerged as the third-best team in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership on Sunday.
The Jewel of Rivers defeated Confluence Queens 2-0 in the third-place tie at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, to win the bronze medal.
Edwin Okon’s side ended goalless at halftime as both sides were not separated after the first period before Adaobi Okah opened the scoring for the 2020/2022 league champions in the 61st minute.
The Port Harcourt-based side doubled the advantage seven minutes later thanks to Oghenebrume Ikekhua brilliant finish.
The win ensured Okon’s side picked consecutive bronze medals after a similar feat last season in Benin City.
Last season, the team finished third behind champions, Bayelsa Queens and Nasarawa Amazons.
WHAT THEY SAID
Confluence Queens coach Ogbonda Whyte:”The game had come and gone. Unfortunately, we lost. I want to give kudos to Confluence Queens because we were not among the bookmarkers favourites. The target of the team in the first place is to escape relegation. At the end of the day, we were able to qualify for the Super Six and ended the season in fourth position. The plan for next season is to go back home and fortify the team. I came a week before the start of the season. I must give the players kudos for doing well. We would go back home and correct the areas where we found out there were lapses. I wouldn’t say that I am disappointed because, in the game of football, one team must win. The quality Rivers Angels have, I don’t have it. If I had the same quality with them then I would say that I am disappointed. We actually wanted to win the third-place match but we’re unable to do that today.”
Rivers Angels coach, Edwin Okon:”I didn’t bargain for this but we still thank God at that level. Every team is turn in the flesh of other teams. No team is a pushover as far as this Super Six is concerned even the teams that couldn’t make it to the Super Six are not pushovers. Women’s football has come of age in Nigeria. There is no team that is a pushover at this level. I lost too many players to greener pastures and I think I would go back to see how I can fortify the team. What we are trying to do is build up the team and see how we can get back to the top standard. I am happy every day. The only way I wasn’t happy was that I am appealing before now. I am one of the oldest coaches as far as the league is concerned. I have been crying for too long for us to get sponsors into the league which will allow government teams to rest. Super Six is the Nations Cup in Nigeria. At that level, everything should be put in place so that whoever comes in. Referees are the chief priest. If the Chief Priest can handle their cases very well, nobody would complain at that level.”