In a tightly contested Matchday 11 fixture of the Nigeria Women Football League Premiership, Rivers Angels emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over defending champions Delta Queens at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Wednesday.
The decisive moment came in the 75th minute when Chiamaka Okwuchukwu calmly converted a penalty, handing the Jewels of Rivers a hard-fought victory.
Reflecting on the match, Rivers Angels’ Head Coach, Whyte Ogbonda, commended his players for their resilient performance against a formidable opponent. He said, “The girls did well right from the onset. Playing against a team like Delta Queens, who are the defending champions, is never easy. Securing a 1-0 win against them shows the determination and character of my players.”
Despite the expectations for a more commanding victory, Ogbonda acknowledged the pressure on his team to secure the crucial three points. “We knew that anything less than a win would severely dent our chances of qualifying for the Super Six. The pressure was palpable, especially in the first half, but the girls showed great composure and fought till the end,” he added.
Looking ahead, Ogbonda emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and intensity in their upcoming matches. “Every game is crucial for us now. We cannot afford to drop points. Our next match against Sunshine Queens in Akure is another opportunity for us to solidify our position and inch closer to our goal of topping the table in our group,” he stated.
Meanwhile, match-winner Chiamaka Okwuchukwu expressed her delight at scoring the decisive goal and highlighted the significance of the victory for the team. “Securing the win means a lot to me and my teammates. It was a tough match, but we fought hard and got the result we needed,” she said.
Okwuchukwu also reiterated her commitment to helping Rivers Angels collect maximum points in their remaining fixtures. “My aim is to contribute to the team’s success by winning every game, both at home and away. We are determined to qualify for the Super Six and finish on top of our group,” she affirmed.
Rivers Angels’ next challenge awaits them as they travel to face Sunshine Queens in Akure on April 3rd, where they will look to continue their winning momentum and strengthen their position in the league standings.