Rivers Angels clinched their 10th President Federation Cup title on Saturday, defeating Nasarawa Amazons 4-2 in a penalty shootout at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Rivers Angels Stage Thrilling Comeback Against Amazons
Rivers Angels secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory after fighting back from a two-goal deficit against Amazons. Though Rivers Angels controlled the game’s tempo, they conceded an early goal in the seventh minute when Rukayat Shobowale capitalized on a loose ball to put Amazons ahead. Shobowale extended Amazons’ lead ten minutes later, giving the Lafia-based team a comfortable two-goal advantage heading into halftime.
Rivers Angels sustained their momentum after the restart, and it paid off in the 57th minute, as Taiwo Ajibade pulled one back.
Five minutes later, ex-Flamingos midfielder Taiwo Afolabi secured the equalizer for Rivers Angels with a lobbed shot. Nasarawa Amazons then missed their crucial first penalty in the shootout, unlike their earlier success in scoring first during regular play.
Rivers Angels converted three straight kicks before goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi stopped Ayatsea Hembafan’s effort.
The keeper then stepped up to convert the last kick for Rivers Angels, winning the game 4-2 on penalties.
Rivers Angels’ previous triumphs were in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2024.