Rivers Angels now 9-times winners of President Federation Cup

Posted : 29 June 2024

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Rivers United FC became the most successful clubside in the President Federation Cup on Saturday, winning the title for the ninth time after defeating debutants Naija Ratels 1-0.

The match, held at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena, redeemed their agonizing loss in 2023 against arch-rivals Bayelsa Queens, securing victory in a keenly contested match with a lone goal.

Coach Whyte Ogbonda expressed his happiness at breaking the jinx of being a trophy-less manager. He made these remarks in an interview on the sidelines of Rivers Angels' victory in the oldest cup competition, played at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.

Rivers Angels' lone goal came from Blessing Okpe's spot kick just before half-time, as a Naija Ratels defender was penalized for handling the ball inside the box.

Heading into the 2024 finals, Rivers Angels FC coach Ogbonda had appeared in two previous FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2018, making the 2024 edition his first appearance with Rivers Angels.

Reflecting on his previous final losses, Ogbonda expressed pride in joining the ranks of cup-winning managers in Nigeria. He said, "This is my third appearance in the finals of the women's category of the FA Cup. The first was in 2017 when I coached Ibom Angels and lost to the same team I coach today, Rivers Angels, in Jos. My second appearance was in 2018 in the finals in Yenagoa, where I again lost to the same team. What changed this time is that Rivers United had a blend of experienced and gifted players, which earned us the trophy."

"We are happy with the win regardless. The penalty call was correct and widely acknowledged because the Naija Ratels player handled the ball in the box," he insisted.

Ogbonda also believed that winning the President Federation Cup would compensate for their loss in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) in Bayelsa.

"I want to extend a big thank you to the press because we were favored to win the cup before the match, which added more pressure on us. We needed to impress and not disappoint Nigerians who were rooting for us. The match against Naija Ratels was not easy, starting with 32 teams."

"We weren't expecting an easy match at all, but we were determined to claim at least one trophy this season after losing the NWFL by just one point in Yenagoa," he continued.

"We thank the Governor of Rivers State for his support; he encouraged us before the finals to go ahead and win the cup that would change our lives. We have won the cup, and I know that my life has changed," he said.

Rivers Angels' captain, Okpe, who was named the 'Most Valuable Player,' said, "We were under immense pressure to win this trophy because expectations back home were high. We approached the match with the mindset not to underestimate our opponent, as the coach warned us that any team surviving among 32 others would be tough."

"We treated the match as if we were playing against FC Barcelona Femine, with tension and adrenaline, before eventually securing victory," she said.

On their journey to the final, Rivers Angels defeated Ekiti Queens 3-1 in the round of 32, thrashed Edo Queens 4-1 in the round of 16, walloped Osun Babes 5-0 in the quarterfinals, and went on to beat Bayelsa Queens 2-1 in a heated semifinal rematch from the 2023 finals.

Rivers Angels now 9-times winners of President Federation Cup

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