Rivers Angels have been crowned the champions of the President Federation Cup, clinching their 10th crown after a dramatic comeback and a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Nasarawa Amazons, Bold Sports reports.
The reigning champions, who came into the final aiming to solidify their dominance in the competition, initially faced a daunting task as they sought to retain the title they won last year. They also hoped to extend their record as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
Nasarawa Amazons stunned the holders early in the match, with Rukayat Shobowale netting twice within the opening 17 minutes, opening the scoring in the seventh minute before adding a second ten minutes later with a superbly taken volley.
However, determined to secure victory, Rivers Angels found a route back into the contest early in the second half when Taiwo Ajibade headed home from a well-delivered freekick by Ifeoma Polinus, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
More Read
The equaliser soon followed as Polinus delivered another dangerous cross, which the Nasarawa Amazons goalkeeper, Shukurat Bakare, could only parry into the path of Taiwo Afolabi, who calmly lobbed the ball into the net to draw the Jewels of Rivers level.
With the momentum firmly on their side, Rivers Angels pressed for a late winner but were unable to find the breakthrough, sending the match into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi emerged as the hero of the shootout, making a crucial save and then stepping up to score the decisive penalty, securing a 4-2 win and delivering Rivers Angels their record-extending 10th President Federation Cup title.
© Bold Media Innovations & Creative Hub Limited. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
