Naija Ratels 0-1 Rivers Angels: Ogbonda Whyte ends trophyless run with record ninth President Federation Cup title

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Rivers Angels edged Naija Ratels FC 1-0 in the final match of the 2024 President Federation Cup final to secure a record extending ninth title at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos on Saturday.

The Port Harcourt based side started the game with Agatha Thompson, Sandra John, Polinus Ifeoma, Ifeoma Ikenokwalu, Florence Alexander, Michael Joy, Olamide Adugbe, Otubo Patience, Peace Effiong, Idris Sefiat, and Okpe Blessing.

For Abuja-based side, Omilana Faith, Tsebee Rita, Adeshina Tunmininu, Bankole Sofiat, Oladeji Oluwabunmi, Adebayo Jumai, Ikpa Janet, Emmanuel Blessing, Saliu Grace, Igbokwe Joy, and Agama Ziperekefeghe were the starters.

Bankole Olowookere’s side had a chance to open the scoring in the 25th minute but Igbokwe’s shot was saved by Thompson.

Ziperekefeghe’s header from Tsebee’s cross in the additional minutes of the first half was also saved by the Rivers Angels goalie.

Moment later, the Jewels of Rivers had penalty as defender, Adebayo handled the ball in her box.

Okpe converted the resulting spot kick to put her side ahead into the halftime break.

Whyte Ogbonda’s side almost doubled the lead after the restart with a counter attack but Omilana saved Adugbe’s shot.

Naija Ratels’ goalie also saved Okpe’s shot to keep the scoreline respectable as Rivers smiled home with the title and 25 million Naira cash prize.

Naija Ratels will get 10 millions Naira for their efforts in getting to the final.

This will be the first major title for Rivers Angels coach, Whyte who previously lost the President Federation Cup final in 2017 and 2018 to his current side.

He was also close to winning the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership title twice in 2019 and 2024 but narrowly missed out which gave him the tag of Avram Grant who couldn’t win any title or final in charge of Chelsea FC.

With the President Federation Cup title in the bag, it is hoped that the trophy will serve as springboard for more titles to come for coach Ogbonda Whyte.