Defending champions Rivers Angels, pulled off a sensational comeback to retain the President Federation Cup title, overcoming a two-goal deficit to clinch their record-extending 10th championship, www.aclsports.com reports.
The victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, cemented Rivers Angels’ status as Nigeria’s most successful women’s football club, as they edged Nasarawa Amazons 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Nasarawa Amazons started brightly, capitalizing on defensive lapses from Rivers Angels. Olushola Shobowale opened the scoring just seven minutes in, then doubled her tally ten minutes later to put Christopher Danjuma’s side 2-0 ahead.
The Amazons looked in full control and carried their two-goal cushion into halftime, leaving Rivers Angels with a mountain to climb.
The comeback began in the 57th minute when Taiwo Ajibade latched onto a free kick delivered by Ifeoma Polinus to pull one back. Just five minutes later, Taiwo Afolabi fired home a well-taken equalizer, leveling the score at 2-2.
Despite end-to-end action in the closing stages, neither side could find a winner, and the match went straight to penalties.
In the shootout, Rivers Angels kept their composure, converting four of their spot-kicks while Nasarawa Amazons managed only two. Goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, who also made a crucial save, stepped up to slot home the decisive penalty, sealing a historic victory for the Jewels of Rivers.
Full Time: Rivers Angels 2–2 Nasarawa Amazons (Pen 4–2)
