In a thrilling match held at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Bayelsa Queens emerged as the champions of the 2023 Women’s Federation Cup, defeating their bitter rivals, Rivers Angels, in a gripping penalty shootout on Wednesday afternoon, June 21.
Penalty Shootout Glory: Bayelsa Queens Crowned Champions
The first half of the match remained uneventful, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net.
However, the intensity soared in the second half, although neither side managed to score, resulting in a goalless draw at the end of the regulation 90 minutes.
In the subsequent penalty shootout, Bayelsa Queens outshined Rivers Angels, securing a 4-2 victory.
The Jewels of Rivers faltered as Chiamaka Okuchukwu skied her effort, and Agyaakwa Sofia’s spot kick was saved by Bayelsa Queens goalkeeper, Onyinyechukwu Okeke.
This success marks back-to-back victories for Bayelsa Queens, who previously clinched the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League Bronze title.
Although they failed to defend their 2023 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), the Restoration Girls find solace in their Federation Cup success.
This year, Bayelsa Queens have proved their dominance over Rivers Angels, defeating them four times in their South-South derby meetings.
Daniel Igali, the Commissioner of Sports in Bayelsa, dedicated the team’s victory to the members of the supporters club who tragically lost their lives in an auto crash in Kwale while en route to Asaba for the finals of the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) Super Six, which occurred approximately two weeks ago.
Igali called upon the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to extend their support beyond the FA Cup finals by ensuring that the champions secure a ticket for continental competition.
For their remarkable achievement, Bayelsa Queens received a prize money of N10 million naira, while Rivers Angels, the runners-up, were awarded N5 million naira.
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