Rivers Angels experienced their first setback of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership season, falling 3-0 to a determined FC Robo Queens at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. While the team’s commendable unbeaten streak has concluded, the focus now shifts to regrouping and strategizing for future fixtures.
Coach Tosan Blankson opted for a single change to the lineup that previously secured a victory against Naija Ratels, providing Kareem Ramotalahi with her inaugural start. However, the home side commenced the match with intensity, capitalizing on an early defensive miscue. In the 2nd minute, Adegbuyi Kemi seized an opportunity to give FC Robo Queens the advantage.
Throughout the first half, the Rivers Angels encountered difficulty in establishing their customary rhythm. Notable opportunities arose for Mary Moses and Taiwo Afolabi, with Moses striking the post and Moriduya in the FC Robo goal denying Afolabi with a save. The halftime whistle arrived with the scoreline favoring the hosts by a single goal.
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In an attempt to inject fresh impetus into the team, Abibat Agbaji was introduced at the start of the second half, replacing Ramotalahi. Early in the second stanza, Ifeoma Ikenokwalu’s free kick struck the upright, highlighting the team’s misfortune in front of the goal.
As Rivers Angels pressed for an equalizer, FC Robo Queens demonstrated resilience and efficiency on the counter-attack. Their lead was doubled in the 72nd minute courtesy of Yahaya Mariam. Subsequent substitutions, including the introduction of Aminat Folorunsho, Azeezat Oluwole, and Chidera Okenwa, aimed to alter the game’s trajectory, but FC Robo Queens secured their victory with a late goal from Opeyemi Ajakaye in the 86th minute.
The full-time whistle confirmed a 3-0 victory for FC Robo Queens, marking the end of Rivers Angels’ previously unblemished record. While acknowledging the disappointment of the result, the club has affirmed its commitment to analyzing the match, learning from the experience, and preparing diligently for the upcoming challenges in the NWFL Premiership. The focus remains on the collective objective and the pursuit of success in the remainder of the season.
