Nigeria Leagues
Five takeaways from Rivers Angels’ President Federation Cup triumph over Naija Ratels
By Wale Mustapha
Rivers Angels triumphed over Naija Ratels with a narrow 1-0 victory to claim the 2024 President Federation Cup on Saturday in Lagos.
Blessing Okpe’s first-half penalty proved decisive, securing the Jewels of Rivers their ninth Cup win in club history.
The match, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, saw Naija Ratels put up a commendable fight, defying expectations of being mere pushovers. Here are five key takeaways from the historic final:
1. Rivers Angels End a Six-Year Wait for Cup Success
Rivers Angels celebrated their first Cup triumph since 2018, marking the end of a six-year drought. After narrowly missing out on the league title to Edo Queens, the Port Harcourt-based club shifted their focus to the Federation Cup and demonstrated their determination and quality by securing the prestigious trophy.
2. Coach Ogbonda Whyte Breaks the Jinx
Coach Ogbonda Whyte, often referred to as the “Avram Grant” of Nigerian women’s football for his near misses in finals, finally broke his jinx. Known for leading teams to the brink of success without clinching the title, Whyte’s victory with Rivers Angels may herald more successes for the veteran coach, who previously faced similar misfortunes with Confluence Queens and Ibom Angels.
3. Blessing Okpe Proves Her Leadership
Blessing Okpe emerged as a standout player in the final, tormenting the Naija Ratels’ defense throughout the match. Although she could have scored more from open play, thwarted only by the excellent goalkeeping of Faith Omilana, Okpe’s leadership on the field was evident. Her ability to motivate and encourage her teammates even when leading highlighted her qualities, earning her the Most Valuable Player award of the tournament.
4. Naija Ratels Have a Bright Future
Despite their defeat, Naija Ratels showcased their potential as a team with a promising future. Comprising relatively young players eager to develop and improve, they gave Rivers Angels a tough challenge, exceeding many pre-match expectations. Players like Faith Omilana, Janet Ikpa, and Agama displayed their talent and potential, suggesting a bright future for the team.
5. NFF’s Organizational Shortcomings
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) faced criticism for the subpar organization of the final, which marred what could have been a more polished event. Issues with match jerseys, including naming and numbering, were prominent, as last-minute arrangements deprived players of proper recognition. Such errors highlighted the need for better planning and execution in future finals to provide a more professional stage for showcasing talent.
Rivers Angels’ victory was a testament to their resilience and quality, while Naija Ratels’ performance underscored their potential to become a formidable force in Nigerian women’s football.
