Rivers Angels, Naija Ratels clash in Fed Cup final

Eight-time Nigeria Women Football League champions Rivers Angels are through to the final of the women’s Federation Cup and will face Naija Ratels at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday.

Rivers Angels booked their spot in the final on Sunday with a 2-1 win over rivals Delta Queens at the Awka City Stadium.

The former champions stormed to an early lead in the semi-finals thanks to quick goals from Blessing Okpe and Peace Effiong inside the opening six minutes.

Maureen Okpala however pulled one back for Delta Queens on the stroke of halftime but it wasn’t enough to stop the last year’s finalists.

The Port Harcourt side will hope to avoid a repeat of last year’s final which they lost to Bayelsa Queens when they take on Naija Ratels on Saturday.

Ratels also advanced to the final on Sunday after edging newcomers Remo Stars Ladies 7-6 on penalties after regular time ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Naija Ratels took the lead in the 19th minute but the Ikenne side responded in the 38th minute through Simisoluwa Okesiji before Vincent Precious headed them in front in the second half.

The Abuja-based Naija Ratels however leveled matters in stoppage time and maintained their composure to win the shootout despite being the first to throw away a kick during the first five.

Naija Ratels who had Super Falcons legend, Onome Ebi in their ranks for some part of the season will hope to claim their first major piece of silverware in Nigeria women’s football when they come up against the most successful side in the competition in Lagos on Saturday.

Rivers Angels have won the cup a record eight times, having only failed to win just one edition between 2010 and 2018. They were also runners-up in 2002, 2008, 2019 and 2023.

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