Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Evelyn Nwabuoku found the net in the stoppage time of the first half, to ensure a Rivers Angels opening day win over FC Robo, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, as the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Matchday 1 games were played out across several centres on Wednesday.
The Jewel of Rivers won a penalty just before half-time through Amarachi Ojinma when she was brought down by goalkeeper Adegbite Bukola inside the box.
Stand-in captain, Nwabuoku stepped up to calmly convert and secure a hard-fought victory for the Edwin Okon led side.
The Emmanuel Osahon wards, however, posed more threats to Rivers Angels in the opening minutes of the second half as the duo of Monday Gift and Onyenezide Esther came close to levelling up but couldn’t convert the chances they created.
However, in the 86th minute, Ibinabo Georgewill had an opportunity to double the lead for the Jewel Of Rivers from close range but ballooned her effort way over the bar.
Head Coach of Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon, while admitting that it was a difficult game, said the win was a good way to kick off the season.
“Being the first match of the season, it wasn’t an easy one but I’m happy we got the three points needed,” Okon said.
“The game was pretty much tight even though we missed lots of chances during the course of the game.
“We played under tension but we’ll get better as the season progresses” he added.
FC Robo Queens coach, Emmanuel Osahon praised the fighting spirit of his girls after the game and added that they were going back home to work on their lapses.
“This was a very good game and I commend my girls for the fight they put up,” Osahon stated.
“I knew my girls were going to play well but didn’t expect this much from them.
“We need to go back home to solidify our tactics so that we can play better and pick up points both home and away.
Rivers Angels next NWFL fixtures will be away to Delta Queens on July 31 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
Results from other centres
Dream Stars Ladies 0-1 Edo Queens
Osun Babes 0-0 Delta Queens
Bayelsa Queens 3-0 Kaduna Queens
Confluence Queens 2-0 Ibom Angels
Abia Angels 2-1 Invincible Angels
Rivers Angels 1-0 FC Robo
Sunshine Queens 0-0 Nasarawa Amazons
Heartland Queens 0-0 Adamawa Queens
