Desmond Iwuchukwu
Rivers Angels bounced back to winning ways in matchday 2 of the Nigeria Women Football League Premiership inside the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Wednesday.
Goals from Blessing Okpe and Juanita Aguadze handed the 7-time NWFL Champions a 2-1 win over visiting Osun Babes.
Okpe opened the scoring in the 5th minute from close range following a cross by Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
Just before the break, Bolaji Olamide leveled for the visitors after goalkeeper Christiana Obia dropped a ball, allowing the forward who was well placed to take advantage.
Aguadze however came off the bench to restore Rivers Angels lead in the 77th minute after a brilliant delivery by Ifeoma Ikenokwalu.
Head Coach of Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon was happy with the three points his side earned in Wednesday’s game and believes the team played better than they did last week in Yenagoa.
“It’s our first home match and there was so much expectation and I’m glad we picked all three points which is the most important thing today. We’ll do well to improve our form in subsequent matches.
“Playing here is also something we need to adapt to because it’s our first time, so we need to marry the pitch. I’m certain the girls will get used to this place once we play more games on this ground.
“I can equally say that there was so much improvement in our game today compared to the last one in Yenagoa. Loss of concentration cost us that game but that’s football for you,” he concluded.
While expressing her delight in Wednesday’s win, Rivers Angels midfielder, Deborah Abiodun said the team was still a work in progress.
“I want to start by appreciating my teammates and the entire coaching crew for today’s game and win because it didn’t come easy. We missed so many chances but I’m happy we got the desired result.
“This is a new team and we are still trying to understand ourselves and play together. I believe in us because we have so much potential here. We just need to work in our final third going forward,” she said.
Rivers Angels’ next game is against Naija Ratels in Port Harcourt on December 21, 2022.
