Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Defending Champions of the Nigeria Women Football league (NWFL) Premiership, Rivers Angels held hosts Confluence Queens to a one all draw in their opening game of the season inside the Confluence stadium, Lokoja.
Glory Edet opened scoring for the hosts in the 4th minute through a setpiece delivery from Joy Omewa which saw Ibubeleye Whyte spilling the initial delivery for Edet who was right in front of goal to lash home.
The Jewel of Rivers drew level in the 14th minute through Regina Otu who rounded off a flowing team move that involved Deborah Abiodun and Ikhekhua Brume to finish home from close range.
After the game, Head Coach of Confluence Queens, Ogbonda Whyte praised Rivers Angels for being resilient.
“They actually gave me what I expected as a champion and they played really well”, Ogbonda stated.
“Bearing in mind they arrived two hours to kickoff and still played this way.
“Also, the absence of one of my players made it quite easy for Rivers Angels to break my defense”, he added.
On his part, Technical Adviser of Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon attributed the result to fatigue.
“My players were fatigued and that somehow affected their performance,” Okon said.
“We arrived at the venue 30 minutes to kickoff and you know what that entails.
“However I must commend my players for their brilliant performance”, he added.
Rivers Angels next game will be against Delta Queens in Port Harcourt on December 16.
Results from other centres;
Confluence Queens 1-1 Rivers Angels
Abia Angels 2-0 Pelican Stars
Ibom Angels 0-1 Osun Babes
Delta Queens 4-1 Dream Stars FC
Nasarawa Amazons 0-1 FC Robo Queens
Bayelsa Queens 2-1 Sunshine Queens
Edo Queens 4-1 Royal Queens
