Eight-time Nigeria Women Football League champions, Rivers Angels, have secured their place in the final of the women’s Federation Cup.
They will face Naija Ratels at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday, June 29th, 2024. Rivers Angels advanced to the final with a 2-1 victory over Delta Queens at the Awka City Stadium on Sunday. Goals from Blessing Okpe and Peace Effiong in the opening six minutes gave the Angels an early lead. Maureen Okpala scored for Delta Queens just before halftime, but it wasn’t enough to stop Rivers Angels’ progress.
The Port Harcourt-based team aims to avoid a repeat of the 2023 final loss to Bayelsa Queens as they prepare to take on Naija Ratels. Abuja-based Naija Ratels earned their spot in the final by defeating Remo Stars Ladies 7-6 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Despite taking an early lead in the 19th minute, Naija Ratels found themselves trailing after goals from Simisoluwa Okesiji and Vincent Precious for Remo Stars. However, the Ratels equalized in stoppage time and held their nerve in the shootout to qualify for the final.
Naija Ratels, who has Super Falcons legend, Onome Ebi for part of the season, will be hoping for their first major silverware in Nigerian women’s football. They face the formidable Rivers Angels, the most successful team in the competition’s history, with eight titles and runner-up finishes in 2002, 2008, 2019, and 2023.
