Rivers Angels head coach, Tosan Blankson, has struck a tone of confidence and caution in equal measure as his team prepares to face Nasarawa Amazons in the 2025 President Federation Cup final, httwww.aclsports.com reports.
The Jewels of Rivers are chasing a record-extending 10th title, returning to the venue where they lifted the trophy last season after defeating Naija Ratels. A decisive 63rd-minute goal from Aminat Folorunsho in the semifinal secured their return to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos this Saturday.
Speaking after one of their training sessions, Coach Blankson addressed the team’s preparation, tactical mindset, and the responsibility that comes with defending a title.
On bouncing back from their Super Six loss to Nasarawa Amazons, Blankson said:
“That one has passed. In football, you’re only as good as your last match. We’re focused and preparing well for the Federation Cup. The team is in top shape.”
Asked about the pressure of being defending champions, he pointed to the team’s evolution:
“We were champions last year, not this year. We didn’t even play Nasarawa Amazons last year. Most of the players from that title-winning team are no longer here. It’s a new set of players, and it’s all about how you prepare. We’re ready.”
When questioned about possible tactical changes, the coach kept his cards close, “Tactics are best known to the coach, not the public.”
Blankson also dismissed any suggestion that last year’s success could breed overconfidence, “There’s no extra edge. If we look at ourselves as defending champions and get complacent, we’ll be in big trouble. We’re going to go all out and take the game as it is.”
On what a historic 10th Federation Cup title would mean for him personally, he said, “It’ll add to my CV. I’m already a League Champion, and adding this trophy wouldn’t be a bad thing.”
Finally, he urged fans to turn out in support, “Lagos was good to us last year. We know the kind of support we have there. The fans should come out in numbers and give us that same support again, we’re going to need it.”
With kickoff fast approaching, Rivers Angels remain fully locked in, ready to defend their crown and write another chapter in their storied history under the guidance of Coach Tosan Blankson.
