Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Rivers Angels registered their first win at the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super 6 in an emphatic way with a 4-0 demolition of rivals, Bayelsa Queens on Thursday.
The game, played inside the main bowl of the Dipo Dina International stadium saw the Jewel of Rivers outplay their opponents in the second half, scoring four unreplied goals.
Both sides had ended the first half goalless but the New Vision Girls came out like wounded lions in the second half and the defence of the Restoration Girls could not withstand the pressure from the Angels forward.
The pressure paid off in the 60th minute when Amarachi Okoronkwo’s freekick from outside the box hit the woodwork but Saiki Mary was quick enough to convert the rebound.
Just before the Jewel of Rivers would finish celebrating the first goal, Vivian Ikechukwu doubled their lead in the 61st minute with a brilliant pull out from the far left leaving Rita Akarekor helpless.
Ikekhua Oghenebrume increased the tally in the 63rd minute as she dribbled past Esther Udegbe before slotting home beyond Akarekor.
The winger then secured her brace in the 87th minute as she received a cross from Imuran Rofiat and scored off a rebound after her initial header came off the crossbar to wrap things up for Rivers Angels.
Head Coach of Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon was elated after the game but says the competition just started for his side.
“I give God the glory for today’s deserved to win because we actually worked really hard for it,” Okon said.
“If you watched our first and second games, you’ll know that we should have been topping by now.
“The Journey just started and I have reminded the players that it’s not over yet.
“No team here is a pushover, we will keep upping our game as we proceed because it’s not easy,” he added.
Rivers Angels’ next game is against Edo Queens on Friday.