The win sealed a record-extending 10th Federation Cup title for the Jewels of Rivers, who showed remarkable resilience to claw their way back from a two-goal deficit in regulation time before triumphing in the shootout.
Match Summary
The showdown at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena lived up to its billing, with early fireworks from Nasarawa Amazons. Star forward Olushola Shobowale stunned the Rivers Angels with a quickfire brace in the 7th and 17th minutes, giving the Lafia-based side a commanding 2-0 lead.
Rivers Angels, however, were undeterred and gradually regained control of the match. They halved the deficit in the 57th minute when Taiwo Ajibade latched onto a pinpoint free kick from Polinus Ifeoma to make it 2-1. Just five minutes later, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi brought the game level with a clinical finish in the 62nd minute, sparking wild celebrations among the Rivers supporters.
Despite several chances in the closing stages, neither side could find a winner in regulation time, and the game proceeded directly to penalties.
Penalty Shootout
In the shootout, Rivers Angels held their nerve better, converting four of their kicks while Nasarawa Amazons missed two crucial attempts. The final score from the spot was 4-2, handing Rivers Angels a dramatic victory and yet another Federation Cup triumph.
Lineups
Rivers Angels Starting XI:
Anderline Mgbecchi (21), Sandra John (3), Joy Micheal (24), Ifeoma Ikenokwalu (6), Polinus Ifeoma (13), Tejiri Edward (16), Taiwo Afolabi (8), Aminat Folorunsho (20), Taiwo Ajibade (32), Mary Moses (25), Titilayo Aweda (10)
Substitutes:
Eze Egobiriokwu (1), Victoria Eyakandue (19), Catherine Kenneth (4), Chidera Okenwa (2), Nana Yusuf (26), Azeezat Oluwole (27), Fatima Oloko (33), Anike Azeez (15), Sarah Iloduba (5), Chisom Nwachukwu (17), Taiwo Aganmuyi (28), Saka Sadiat (23)
Nasarawa Amazons Starting XI:
Bakare Shukurat (1), Ohaegbulam Oluchi (2), Alani Jumoke (14), Igbokwe Joy (24), Esther Adesoji (5), Nwoha Confidence (30), Amina Bello (9), Shobowale Odushola (20), Akekoromowei Janet (19), Omosuyi Ayowumi (16), Ojiyovwi Kasiena (28)
Substitutes:
Ukam Jennifer (34), Chioma Okoye (35), Nnadi Oluchi (15), Marylyn Essien (26), Isaiah Ochanya (18), Abdulwahab Faridat (11), Josephine Mathias (31), Odubanjo Dominic (8), Ayatsea Hembafan (13), Bibiana Odoh (23), Emmanuel Gift (27), Oduwale Shola (12)
Final Score (FT):
Rivers Angels 2 – 2 Nasarawa Amazons
Penalty Shootout: Rivers Angels win 4 – 2
Goal Scorers:
-
Nasarawa Amazons: Olushola Shobowale (7’, 17’)
-
Rivers Angels: Taiwo Ajibade (57’), Taiwo Afolabi (62’)
With this remarkable comeback victory, Rivers Angels once again affirm their dominance in Nigerian women’s football, while Nasarawa Amazons can hold their heads high after an impressive run to the final.