Rivers Angels retained their President Federation Cup crown by defeating Nasarawa Amazons in a dramatic penalty shootout at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Saturday. Trailing 2–0 after early strikes from Odushola Shobowale in the 7th and 17th minutes, the Port Harcourt side rallied.
Taiwo Ajibade converted a free-kick in the 57th minute before Taiwo Afolabi lobbed home the equaliser in the 62nd. The game remained 2–2 after 90 minutes, and Rivers Angels held their nerve in the shootout, converting all four penalties while Nasarawa missed two, sealing a 4–2 shootout victory.
Former internationals Segun Odegbami, Joseph Yobo, Friday Ekpo, Precious Dede, Chikelue Iloanusi, and NFF president Ibrahim Gusau were among the dignitaries present. The visitors nearly extended their lead early on, but Anderline Mgbechi produced a close-range save in the 2nd minute. Shobowale’s brace came from a spilled cross and a left-footed volley off a punch against the crossbar. Rivers nearly responded sooner through Aminat Folorunsho, but her header in the 12th minute cleared the bar.
Nasarawa made an early substitution with Joy Igbokwe limping off, replaced by Faridat Abdulwahab. In first-half stoppage time, their keeper Shukurat Bakare kept them in it with a strong save. After the break, Chisom Nwachukwu replaced Titilayo Aweda, and Ajibade’s free-kick halved the deficit. Afolabi’s lob restored parity and though Nasarawa threatened again, Odoh missed a key chance.
With no further goals, Rivers Angels secured the win on penalties, completing an epic comeback and earning their record-extending 10th title.
Editorial
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We celebrate Rivers Angels’ remarkable spirit in overturning a two-goal deficit to clinch the Federation Cup. Their resilience reflects a culture shaped by experience and mental toughness. We believe this team has shown exactly what it means to fight until the final whistle and beyond.
We note Nasarawa Amazons started strongly and might have felt they held control, but Rivers Angels’ response under pressure demonstrates why they are champions. Composure in high-stakes moments is what defines greatness. We appreciate that both sides tested each other, and the experience benefits Nigerian women’s football as a whole.
We acknowledge the importance of high-profile attendees Odegbami, Yobo, Dede whose presence reinforces the growing recognition of the women’s game. Their involvement encourages investment and attention, which are crucial for further development.
We also reflect on the match’s broader significance. Comebacks like this galvanise fan interest and elevate expectations around the Federation Cup. This final delivers drama, quality, and storylines that captivate supporters and stakeholders alike.
We began by applauding character and determination; we end by reaffirming that such performances are the foundation upon which champions and champions’ legacies are built.
Did You Know?
- Rivers Angels have won the Federation Cup a record ten times, the most by any Nigerian women’s club.
- Final matches in the President Federation Cup go directly to penalties after 90 minutes no extra time is played.
- Taiwo Ajibade and Taiwo Afolabi, who scored the equalising goals, share the same first name but are unrelated.
- The Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, where the final was held, is also known as Onikan Stadium and regularly hosts major national finals.
- Nasarawa Amazons, nicknamed the “Solid Babes”, last won the cup in 2019, when they defeated Rivers Angels on penalties after a goalless final.
