Nigerian Women Premier League side Ibom Angels took a step closer to the Women’s AITEO Cup final with a 2-0 semi final first leg victory over reinstated Abia Angels in Uyo on Wednesday.
With their male counterparts Akwa United already in the Men’s final, Ibom Angels took charge of their protracted semi-final clash with a goal in each half against their neighbours.
The hosts were frustrated for the better part of the first half by impressive goalkeeping from Abia Angels goalkeeper Monle and poor marksmanship by their attackers.
Blessing Okpe however gave them the lead five minutes before half time when she brilliantly converted Charity Reuben’s assist in the game decided at the Nest of Champions.
Angels made the game safe fifteen minutes from time through Unyime Johnson who gave her side a decent lead going into the return leg.
Abia Angels were only reinstated by the competition organisers on Monday after they were earlier thrown out for allegedly using ineligible players in their second leg quarter final match at Confluence Queens.
They will now take a 2-0 deficit to the return leg at the Umuahia Township Stadium this weekend for a chance to fight for the cup final against already qualified Rivers Angels.
Ibom Angels will be hoping to contest the final of Nigeria’s Oldest Club Cup competition alongside their state’s men’s team, Akwa United, the first time any state will present contestants in both men and women’s final since 2014 when Rivers State had Dolphins and Rivers Angels respectively.
