Rivers Angels prey on Nasarawa Amazons to keep their double dream alive

nff fed cup

Rivers Angels won the 2013 NFF Women’s Fed Cup with a straight-forward three-nil triumph over Nasarawa Amazons at Teslim Balogun Stadium on Sunday.

The defending champions’ never really showed signs of slowing down with a ruthless show in Lagos.

In their last match before the final Rivers Angels beat Pelican Stars 2-0 and Edwin Okon named an unchanged side for the final against Nasarawa Amazons.

Amazons were also victorious last time out as they overcame Bayelsa Queens one-nil.

The defending champions were all over the Lafia girls with constant pressure and Amazons struggled to maintain possession in their opponents’ half.

Edwin Okon’s side began the match well. Team captain Evelyn Nwabuoku tested Sangonuga Ibijioke within the first five minutes as she fired in a low shot from the edge of the area.The mercurial leader, also whipped in a teasing cross which eluded Uchechi Sunday in the 10th minute of play.

After a nervous opening 10 minutes, Obi Ogbala’s side did eventually settle, with some inventory by Orji Prudent and Dike Margaret. Team skipper of Amazons Kafayat Ajani was also bright with some deft touches.

Aighwei Amanze was restricted to two long range efforts, but she fell short of scoring the opener. Ghana dazzler, Elizabeth Addo was a terror, as her crafty runs was a source of worry to Amazons wall of defence.

Oshoala was set-up by Rebecca Kalu in the 36th minute, but the former FC Robo starlet chose to take a long range effort which was off-target. Her big presence made Addo and Nwabuoku move freely in the midfield.

The two teams grew in confidence as the first half went on and Gloria Ofuegbu almost handed Angels the lead following Nwabuoku’s flick-on from a corner kick , while she saw a 39th minute effort from outside of the area well gathered by Ibijioke, who had a busy afternoon.

However, in the 42nd minute her continued surge from the defence paid-off, when she lashed on a through ball from Rebecca Kalu and send a beauty of a shot that had Ibijioke sprawling for help.

Angels increasing confidence was again in evidence at the beginning of the second half as a volley from a narrow angle forced a save from Ibijioke. Aighwei Amanze did well to run into space, but she unselfishly elected to set-up Mercy Amanze.

Angels ensured that their good work would be for nothing as they made the scoreline 2-0 after 57 minutes through the skillful Addo. Nwabuoku threaded a crisp low pass to Mercy. The right-winger in turn made Addo look like a super star with a sweet cross

Rivers Angels effectively secured the victory 13 minutes from regulation time, Gloria completed a brace and the 2013 Women’s Fed Cup Shield.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *