Ijamilusi Folashade 47th minute goal was all Robo FC needed to deny Rivers Angels a win in a Matchday 8 encounter of the Nigeria Women Football League Premiership at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Wednesday.
Youngster Effiong Peace scored her debut goal for Rivers Angels in the 21st minute to hand the former champions the lead in the first half, while Oladipo Shukura had a chance to level up for FC Robo in the 30th minute but her shot went wide.
In the second half midfield battle ensued between Blessing Okpe and Esther Onyenezide as FC Robo mounts pressure to level. The pressure paid off in the 47th minute as Ijamilusi Folashade stole the ball from Offiong Immaculata to level up for FC Robo.
Rivers Angels thought they had gotten a penalty in the 61st minutes but the centre referee overturned her decision to award the Jewels of Rivers penalty after Chiamaka Okwuchukwu was fouled in the box by Ndubisi Esther.
Head Coach, Whyte Ogbonda was disappointed with the result but believes his girls can make it up in subsequent matches.
“The game ended 1 – 1, but that wasn’t the score line or result we were looking for in this match, I’m one of the coaches that don’t like complaining about referees.
“Well, we didn’t lose anything, the team is already at its peak. Come Wednesday next week, we are going to make sure we get our 3 points from Remo Stars Ladies. We are still at the top of the table because other centres played draw.”
Also, Coach Whyte Ogbonda praised Effiong Peace, who made her debut in today’s match and believes that she will score more goals before the end of the season.
“Before I brought her, I know she is one of the good strikers around the amateur side, an academy Young talent 99. I know her power and I know she can do more. This is her first match , by the time she plays one two three matches, she will do more”
Meanwhile, debutant Effiong Peace has expressed happiness for scoring on her debut in the top flight league and for her club.
“It makes me feel really happy, and I know I’m going to score more to make me carry the trophy by God’s grace.
Rivers Angels’ next game is against Remo Stars Ladies in Port Harcourt on the 21st of February.
