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NWFL Premiership Angels, Queens, and Amazons battle for President Federation Cup final berth
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The Enyimba Stadium, located in the prominent commercial city of Aba, serves as the venue for Saturday’s semi-final match of the President Federation Cup, featuring the multiple champions Rivers Angels from Port Harcourt and Ibom Angels from Uyo.
Rivers Angels have consistently excelled in the women’s iteration of this competition, which has undergone several name changes over the years (FA Cup, Federation Cup) before being renamed the President’s Federation Cup last year. While Ufuoma Babes, Pelican Stars (both now defunct), and Delta Queens took turns to dominate in the early years, Rivers Angels have emerged as the preeminent team over the last 15 years.
The Warri-based Ufuoma Babes claimed the championship title four times (1992-1994, 1996), while Pelican Stars from Calabar secured victories in 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2002. Delta Queens lifted the trophy in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2009, with their dominance interrupted only by Nasarawa Amazons in 2005.
Rivers Angels redefined the concept of dominance by winning the tournament from 2010 to 2014. After Sunshine Queens captured the title in 2015, Rivers Angels continued their successful streak from 2016 to 2018. In 2019, Nasarawa Amazons, who had triumphed over Ibom Angels in the semi-finals, defeated Rivers Angels in a vibrant final held in Kaduna. Following a loss to Bayelsa Queens in the 2023 final after a penalty shootout in Asaba, the Port Harcourt Angels narrowly defeated Naija Ratels 1-0 in last year’s final in Lagos to reclaim the trophy.
On Saturday, the reigning Cup holders will face a challenging match against the agile Ibom Angels, in a repeat of the finals held in 2017 and 2018, both of which were won by Rivers Angels.
In the second semi-final, Edo Queens will compete against the 2005 and 2019 champions, Nasarawa Amazons, in what is expected to be an exhilarating encounter in Ayingba, the university town of Kogi State.
To reach this stage, Rivers Angels overcame Moje Queens in the Round of 32 in Benin City, decisively defeated First Mahi Babes 5-0 in the Round of 16, and narrowly edged out the determined
Remo Stars Ladies 3-1 on penalties in the quarter finals after both were tied 1-1 in regulation time. Ibom Angels halted Rivers State’s other flag-bearer, Sporting Angels, in the Round of 32, then saw off Delta Queens and Heartland Queens in subsequent rounds.
Edo Queens eliminated Kada Queens in the Round of 32 and then bumped Osun Babes and Unification Ladies, while Nasarawa Amazons saw off Kwara Ladies in the Round of 32, before eliminating 2021 and 2023 winners Bayelsa Queens in the Round of 16, and Sunshine Queens in the quarter finals.
Semi Finals (Women)
Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Ibom Angels (Akwa Ibom) – Aba – 24/05/25 – 1pm
Edo Queens (Edo) Vs Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) – Ayingba – 24/05/25 – 1pm
