By Babatunde Ogunrinde

Rivers Angels FC of Port Harcourt on Saturday claimed their 10th consecutive title of the Women’s President Federation Cup after a 6-4 penalty defeat of Nasarawa Amazons.

The match played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos Island saw the Rivers ladies coming for two goals down to overpower the Nasarawa Amazons.

It was a thrilling encounter which saw the Amazons almost dethroning the River Angels who have become perennial champions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Amazons scored two great goals through Olushola Shobawale in the 7th and 17th minutes respectively to end the first half.

Rivers Angels with their intimidating record continued their onslaught in at the start of the second half and were soon rewarded by Taiwo Ajibade’s brilliance.

She latched onto a through pass in the 57th minute to beat Amazons goalkeeper.

It took Afolabi another five minutes to equalise the game for Rivers Angels following a goalmouth scramble.

The encounter eventually ended in a shootout which saw Rivers Angels produce a superb 6-4 win in the penalty shootout.

Amazons star player, Shobowale, expressed disappointment over the loss.

“We played well to win the match, but unfortunately it did not happen. We are happy to have reached the final; we just have to go and work harder next time,” Shobowale said.

Similarly, Rivers Angels star player, Afolabi, said that she was happy with the result.

“It was a tough match. We worked very hard to beat Amazons and it paid off. We are very proud of our achievement,” she said.

In a related development, Kwara United emerged winners of the men’s President Federation Cup after defeating Abakaliki FC, 4-3 on penalties.

NAN reports that the match ended 0-0 in regulation time, as both sides failed to find the back of the net.

Kwara United, having missed their first kick in spite of their player losing the first penalty kick, converted their remaining four kicks, as against the three kicks converted by the Abakiliki team.

Kwara United star player, Victor Adeoye, who won the competition’s Most Valuable Player Award, attributed their win to hard work.

He said that the support from the state government was enough motivation which propelled them to victory.

“We are proud to have won a trophy after 49 years.

“It’s a great day in our history. God did this for us and we are thankful for our governor who has supported us financially and morally to achieve this feat,” Adeoye said.

The 2025 President Federation Cup had in attendance former Super Eagles Players, Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and his Kwara State counterpart, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), were among the dignitaries that watched the encounter.

The Director-General of NSC, Bukola Olapade, was also at the venue. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne