Desmond Iwuchukwu
The second round of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership will commence on Wednesday 23 February with six Matchday fixtures across the country.
Rivers Angels Football Club will be in action against Sunshine Queens at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The Jewel of Rivers are on the quest for qualifying for the Super 6, where this season’s champions will be crowned and the sole representative for this year’s Women’s CAF Champions League will emerge.
Six matches will be played in this round and the Port Harcourt side are currently leading group B with 13 points, two above rivals Bayelsa Queens who are not in action on Wednesday.
Rivers Angels will need to increase the gap by ensuring they garner the maximum points in Akure.
Speaking ahead of the game, the team’s playmakers, Vivian Ikechukwu and Maryam Ezenagu believed the team can get a good result over their opponent.
According to Ikechukwu, the team cannot afford to slip at this stage of the competition.
“We need to stay positive, stay focused and play as a team and get the much-needed result. Ending the first round on top of the table is a boost to us as well,” she began.
“Every point is important to us right now because Super 6 is the goal and we need to win the league to enable us to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
“We came here with a winning mindset and I pray that by the end of tomorrow, we’ll have every reason to celebrate,” added Ikechukwu.
On her part, Ezenagu said as a team, they are ready for what this round has in store for them.
“We’ve really prepared well for this second round of the season knowing that it’s not easy to remain at the top of the table, so we had to put in more work to maintain our position,” she said.
“This round won’t be an easy one but we are hopeful of overcoming our challenges as they come.
“Right now we’re in Akure to play Sunshine Queens tomorrow and we are not going to drop points, we’ll be leaving with the maximum points after regulation time.” Ezenagu declared.
Head Coach of Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon is currently away on National duty with the Senior National Women’s football team, the Super Falcons so the Port Harcourt side will be led by the Chief Coach, Regina Akaraonye.
The reverse fixture of Wednesday’s encounter ended 2-1 in Port Harcourt.
