The jubilant cheers of Rivers Angels echoed through the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium in Lagos on Saturday as they secured their ninth Women’s President Federation Cup title, defeating Naija Ratels 1-0 to lift the trophy.
This narrow victory marked a crucial moment for the team and their coach, Whyte Ogbonda, Footballrover reports.
All thanks to Blessing Okpe, who emerged as the hero of the match, converting an important penalty in the first half to secure the win.
Coach Ogbonda, visibly relieved and overjoyed, finally lifted a trophy as head coach, a long-awaited achievement after facing criticism for falling short in cup finals during his previous stint with Ibom Angels.
The key to their success, according to Ogbonda, was the perfect blend of experience and youthful talent.
“The match wasn’t easy,” he acknowledged, “but we had the right blend of players to win. I’m happy to have finally won a trophy as a head coach, which was a criteria used against me in the past. Now, I’m relieved and incredibly proud of my players.”
The celebrations weren’t limited to the trophy. Blessing Okpe’s stellar performance earned her the Most Valuable Player award, while Agatha Thompson secured the Best Goalkeeper honour.
Our player, Blessing Okpe, won the most valuable player of the competition.#TheJewelsOfRivers#NewVisionQueens#FederationCupFinal pic.twitter.com/QNlTcJ8IhT
— Rivers Angels FC (@Rivers_Angels) June 29, 2024
This collective effort not only brought home the coveted trophy but also a huge prize of 25 million naira.
With this victory, Rivers Angels sealed their position as the undisputed queens of Nigerian women’s football—it was never in doubt as they’ve produced several top-quality players for the Super Falcons.
Our goalkeeper, Agatha Thompson, won the best goalkeeper of the competition.#TheJewelsOfRivers#NewVisionQueens #PresidentFederationCupFinal pic.twitter.com/zKLOAw4bFw
— Rivers Angels FC (@Rivers_Angels) June 29, 2024
They now hold a record-breaking nine Federation Cup titles, three more than any other team.
Their last cup win in 2018 marked the start of a two-year drought, making this victory even sweeter.
The dominance of the PH Ladies extends beyond the Federation Cup.
Since 2010, they have amassed a staggering 15 major trophies, boasting an impressive 11 more than their closest competitor.
Their consistency is remarkable, having secured at least one trophy in 12 out of the last 14 seasons.
With this talented young squad and a determined coach, the future seems bright for the Jewels of Rivers.
Your President Federation Cup champions are up !!!!
Feels good to wake up from this side of the world
Nine times champions, if easy, run am ooh ????????????#TheJewelsOfRivers #NewVisionQueens pic.twitter.com/08LArNrYNU
— Rivers Angels FC (@Rivers_Angels) June 30, 2024
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