Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt secured their ninth title in the President Federation Cup with a hard-fought victory over Naija Ratels at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. The women’s final was an enthralling encounter, decided by a penalty goal from Blessing Okpe just before halftime. Coach Whyte Ogbonda, celebrating his first trophy as head coach, praised his players for their dedication, resilience, and hard work, stating, “This victory is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. We are thrilled to be champions of the President Federation Cup.”
Naija Ratels’ head coach, Bankole Olowookere, commended his young squad for their journey to the final despite the loss. “Although we did not get the desired result, I am proud of my players for their fighting spirit. We will learn from this experience and come back stronger,” Olowookere said, reflecting on their spirited performance throughout the tournament.
The match, which kicked off beside the Lagos Waterfront, was witnessed by a host of dignitaries, including Sports Development Minister Senator John Owan Enoh and Nigeria’s FIFA Member Amaju Pinnick. Their presence highlighted the significance of the competition and the achievements of the Rivers Angels, reinforcing the importance of women’s football in Nigeria.
Rivers Angels’ victory in the President Federation Cup final is a testament to their dominance and consistency in Nigerian women’s football. As they celebrate their ninth title, the team’s focus will now shift to maintaining their winning momentum and continuing to set the standard for excellence in the sport.