By Faith Oluchi
The Chairperson of Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode has applauded Rivers Angels following the Nigerian champions’ qualification to the maiden Caf Women’s Champions League in Egypt later this year.
Rivers Angels finished as Group B winners with six points from two matches before thrashing Amis du Monde of Togo 5-1 in the semi-final to qualify for the final of the WAFU-B zonal qualifiers in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Having qualified for the maiden Caf Women’s Champions League,
Falode, who spoke to the team on Wednesday, hailed the team for displaying the great strength of the Nigerian league.
“Congratulations, ladies. You have confirmed that you are truly the pride of Africa. You are true champions,” Falode, who is also a Nigeria Football Federation executive board member began.
“What you played in Abidjan so far is a confirmation that our league is very strong. I never doubted that you are going to get the slot. I also wanted you to top the group emphatically which is what you have done.
“Scoring those number of goals and only conceding one. It is a big achievement and I congratulate you and for the many awards you are winning. We are very proud of you.”
Rivers Angels will square up against Hasaacas Ladies of Ghana in the final of the zonal qualifiers on Thursday and the ace broadcaster is backing the Nigerian side to finish on a high and also excel in Egypt.
“I congratulate you on behalf of the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, the Secretary General and on behalf of the league. I am proud of you and Nigerians are very proud of you,” she continued.
“Everybody is commending you back home and know that once you go to Egypt in November, that champions league is coming to Nigeria and you will be the one to win it for Nigeria.
“When you play the final, just go and finish the work. The President of the National Women League in Ghana called me today and said ‘Aisha you didn’t tell me that these your girls are very good’.
“That was just a banter but it is a confirmation that you have earned respect in WAFU-B. Carry that respect to Egypt, I wish you all the best in your remaining match and when you come, we will be at the airport to welcome you.”
In her response, captain of the team, Catherine Kenneth thanked Falode for her motherly love and assured they will go all out in ensuring the trophy comes to Nigeria.
“We are really privileged to have this call from you, we are grateful. Also we want to assure you that on Thursday, by the grace of God we will lift the trophy and come back home with joy and rejoicing,” she concluded.
