NWFL Premiership: Rivers Angels coach Tosan Blankson reflects on hard-fought win over Ibom Angels

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The head coach of Rivers Angels, Tosan Blankson, says his team’s 2-1 win against South South rivals Ibom Angels was a hard encounter.

Returning from the second tier under the leadership of former Rivers Angels coach Edwin Okon, Ibom Angels put up a fantastic and physical display, with both sides playing out a 1-1 draw at halftime from own goals by Helen Daniel and Joy Michael.

Ifeoma Ikenokwalu’s 78th-minute goal separated both sides in a keenly contested encounter.

“Three points is as good as playing at the Super Six already because in every first match of the season, you have to do your best to get a win, which we got. They gave their best with the three points,” Blankson told journalists after the game.

“We didn’t play to our style. We were playing to the opponents style. My players are not used to kicking the ball anyhow. They were more physical. That was the advantage they had over us.”

The Jewel of Rivers will next face Naija Ratels FC in Abuja as they attempt to get to the Super Six with the aim of winning their eighth league title.

“In the next match, we will try to transit from behind so that when we get to the middle we can get their half easily,” He added.

“This is the first match of the season. Everyone wants to give their best.

“We will prepare for the next game and take each match at a time.”

Blankson was appointed Rivers Angels from the current manger of Bayelsa Queens, Ogbonda Whyte.

He won the 2022/2023 NWFL Premiership title with Delta Queens.