Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Rivers Angels head Coach Edwin Okon and his ladies are preparing to host Lagos-based side FC Robo Queens in Port Harcourt as the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership enter matchday 2.
After playing out a goalless draw against Delta Queens in the opening game of the season in Asaba, Rivers Angels hope not to drop more points this week especially with Bayelsa Queens and Robo having 3 points in their bags already.
The Jewel Of Rivers have the full complement of their squad following the arrival of their players from the U20 National team last night and they took part in Tuesday’s training inside the University of Port Harcourt Sports Complex, the venue for Wednesday’s clash.
Okon says the points dropped in Asaba will be recovered this week as he hopes to move into a better position on the log.
“We traveled to Asaba with the intention of picking all maximum points but that didn’t happen as we were forced to a stalemate,” he began.
“I’m expecting a tough fight from Robo Queens tomorrow because they have a very young side but notwithstanding, victory will be ours.
“This season will be quite an interesting one because of the opportunity to qualify for the Continental showpiece next year so one cannot afford to slip at all.
“I’m looking forward to a good game come tomorrow and hope the odds will favour us,” said an optimistic Okon.
Also speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Matchday 2 encounter are Rivers Angels forwards, Rose Ekong, and Maryann Ezenagu.
Both players hope their side gets a good result over visiting Robo Queens inside the Uniport Sports Complex on Wednesday.
In her words, Ekong said they intend to correct the mistakes from their last game.
“FC Robo is a professional side and playing against them has always been a cracker so I expect them to put up a good fight,” she stated.
“From previous meetings, we’ve always had a better advantage over them and this won’t change when we meet tomorrow.
“We also intend to correct our mistakes from our last game as head into tomorrow’s encounter,” Ekong said.
On her own part, Ezenagu believes the point garnered from Delta last week was a good one because according to her, “that ground isn’t an easy one”.
“Picking a point in Delta is not a bad one because it’s my former team and I know what it takes to pick a point there,” she said.
“As for tomorrow’s match, all we need is a total victory, we can’t afford to drop any point while playing at home.
“I’m only urging my teammates to put up a good fight against FC Robo Queens in the game tomorrow,” Ezenagu added.
Rivers Angels midfielder, Deborah Abiodun also expressed her optimism ahead of Wednesday’s Matchday 2.
Abiodun assured fans of a good game and promised to work collectively in order to get the victory they desire.
“We dropped points in Asaba but our game here is one we must win, so for that, we will correct all our mistakes, take our chances and make sure we don’t concede tomorrow.
“The team will work individually and collectively to get every maximum point and even put some extra work.
“I believe our fans will be coming out to cheer us in the game and we promise not to let them down,” she said.
