Nigerian Women Football League side Ibom Angels followed the footsteps of their men counterparts Akwa United by progressing to the final of the AITEO Cup despite a 1-2 loss to Abia Angels on Saturday.
Imaobong Emmanuel scored the all important away goal for Ibom Angels in between Emenike Chinonye and Nkechi Agams’ goals for the hosts as the visitors sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
In a chat with us after the game, an excited Ibom Angels head coach, Whyte Ogbonda expressed his relief at his side’s qualification despite having to wait for over two weeks than earlier scheduled.
“When our game was delayed, I must say it put a lot of pressure on us because we have made a lot of preparations and we were ready for the game,” began Ogbonda to www.aclsports.com
“And when it was delayed for up to two weeks, I had a lot of problems because there’s tendency that the form of the players will be dropping gradually.
“But I still had to do more work physically and also talk to them not to put themselves under pressure that we should be ready to face whoever comes between Abia Angels and Confluence Queens.”
Ibom Angels were knocked out at the Round of 16 in last year’s edition of the Cup competition which was won by Angels’ opponents in next Wednesday’s final, Rivers Angels. Ogbonda, who was a former assistant coach at Rivers Angels expressed his relief at reaching the final which brings him closer to his objective.
“The former chairman of Ibom Angels specifically brought me to Uyo in 2015 to get the Federation (now AITEO) Cup for them. Last year, being the first season, we were unable to make it as we were knocked out early,” explained Ogbonda.
“So when we could not make the (league) Super Four this year, we told the players that this is the last hurdle and everyone must put in their best to get to the final and bring home the trophy. I feel very happy now and relieved that I am closer to achieving my aim of coming to Ibom Angels,” he added.
The women’s AITEO Cup final is scheduled to hold at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos on Wednesday, October 18 and Ibom Angels are certain to have their work cut out when they face cup holders Rivers Angels on the final day.
