Maryann Ezenagu and goalkeeper Ibubeleye Whyte were in impressive form as Rivers Angels lost their 9-match unbeaten run to FC Robo Queens on Wednesday
Ezenagu dazzled to a goal while Whyte ensured the result remained respectable after Angels were defeated 2-1 in a keenly but controversial NWFL match at the Legacy Pitch inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State.
Robo goals were scored, albeit controversially, in a solid first half display which saw them dominate proceedings at the Legacy in the opening half.
In form Monday Gift inpsired her side by scoring both goals, she opened the scoring for the Land Ladies via a penalty, her sixth of the season, before giving them a comfortable lead when she doubled their advantage just before the break for her seventh goal.
Her second goal was also controversial as Rivers Angels players appealed for offside but were ignored by the referee.
A dominant and comfortable lead at the break for the hosts with Angels left with so many questions.
In the second half, the visitors came out smoking, led by Ezenagu and substitute, Oghenebrume Ikekhua, who piled on the pressure on Robo.
However, while the away side started the second half better than they did the first, it was the home side who had the first real chance when Shobowale forced goalkeeper Whyte to make a remarkable save to keep her side in the game early on.
Angels weathered the early second half storm and began to ask real questions of Robo defense for the first time in the game. They looked more rejuvenated and attacked Robo with purpose.
The Vision Girls opened up their hosts on several occasions with superb deliveries from Ezenuagu and Ikekhua from the right but lacked the requisite cutting edge in the final until on61 minutes, when their efforts were finally rewarded courtesy of the amazing Maryann Ezenagu who gave them renewed hope when she pulled one back to bring scores to 2-1.
17 minutes later, Angels had another chance to score the equaliser after another good work from the wings but Georgewill Ibinabo failed to connect properly with the ball from close range.
Angels continued to search for the equaliser and with three minutes left to play, another solid work from the wings is undone by Blessing Okpe who misses from inside six yards as Robo lived on the edge.
That chance by Okpe would be the last real opportunity of the game as Robo held on for the win which brings to an end Rivers Angels 9-match unbeaten run in the league.
The match at the Legacy pitch was arguably the most anticipated of match day 10 in the NWFL as two of the biggest teams locked horns.
While both sides lived up to the pre-match hype, the drama around the officiating overshadowed the quality of football on show from the ladies.
At the end, Robo take all three points, while Angels suffer their first defeat of the season which could have dire consequences on their title aspirations.
