Perennial champions Rivers Angels added yet another trophy to their cabinet on Saturday, claiming their 10th President Federation Cup title with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Nasarawa Amazons at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The Port Harcourt-based side showcased resilience and class, staging a remarkable comeback after trailing by two goals in regulation time.
Nasarawa Amazons struck early, with Rukayat Shobowale capitalizing on a defensive lapse in the 7th minute to open the scoring. She doubled the lead just 10 minutes later, giving the Lafia side a comfortable 2-0 cushion going into halftime.
Undeterred, Rivers Angels came out firing in the second half. Taiwo Ajibade reignited their hopes with a 57th-minute strike, and just five minutes later, former Flamingos midfielder Taiwo Afolabi delivered a sublime lob to level the score.
With no winner after regulation time, the match was decided by penalties. Nasarawa Amazons faltered early in the shootout, with Esther Adesoji missing their opening kick. Rivers Angels calmly converted three consecutive penalties before goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi made a crucial save from Ayatsea Hembafan.
Mgbechi then sealed the victory in style, stepping up to take and score the decisive penalty, giving Rivers Angels a 4-2 win in the shootout.
This latest triumph adds to Rivers Angels’ illustrious Federation Cup legacy, with previous victories in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2024.
