Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Ahead of the all-important semi-final game with Amis Du Monde of Togo inside the Stade Robert Champroux this evening, players of Rivers Angels Football club have been speaking tough.
The reigning Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Champions kept a clean slate in the group stage of the WAFU B qualifiers and scored a total of 7 goals, topping their group ahead of Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies FC.
Winner of today’s game will automatically qualify for the maiden edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League slated to hold in Egypt later this year.
Captain of Rivers Angels, Catherine Kenneth says the team has come a long way to lose focus right now.
According to the defender, their level of concentration is high and the team is pumped to ensure they get one of the tickets to Egypt.
Asked if the pressure of qualification was getting to them, Kenneth said there was none whatsoever.
“The spirit in the camp is high and there’s no pressure from this end,” Kenneth began.
“Yes we know millions of Nigerians are banking on us to come through and they’ll be following tomorrow’s game so keenly but that is not in any way affecting us.
“Before leaving Nigeria for Abidjan, we already knew what we needed to do and that is exactly what we intend to do on Monday.
“Our qualification is non-negotiable and we’ve worked so hard, nothing is stopping us from making it to Egypt tomorrow,” she said.
And on her part, Vivian Ikechukwu who is yet to record a goal in Abidjan but however, has an assist to her name says she’s not under the pressure of scoring goals.
Ikechukwu said she only wants to be at her very best all through the competition.
“I am not under any sort of pressure, although a lot of people have been calling me to ask me to score goals for them,” she stated.
“I just want to be at my best in tomorrow’s game and if the goal comes, I will take my chances.
“The game tomorrow is a must-win and the confidence in the camp is very high and we just want to do our best.
“We are equally not underrating any team but this game will determine our qualification for the CAF Champions League so it’s a must-win”, Ikechukwu added.
Also speaking ahead of the game is Rivers Angels midfielder, Deborah Abiodun who says the team has gotten all the motivation they need from the Rivers State Government.
“Our Sponsors have been motivating us through their words and otherwise and equally told us how important it is to win this game,” said Abiodun.
“So I and my teammates are mentally and collectively prepared for the game on Monday.
“I’m sure we will do our best to put smiles on the faces of the numerous Nigerians looking up to us”, she summed.
Monday’s game will kick off at 7 pm Nigerian time.
