The South-South derby in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) lived up to expectations as Rivers Angels hosted Edo Queens at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
The Jewels of Rivers secured an important 2-1 victory to maintain their position at the top end of the table.
Rivers Angels Edge Out Rivals in Port Harcourt
While both teams displayed flashes of brilliance, it was a clinical first-half performance that ultimately separated the two rivals.
The match started with high intensity, and it didn’t take long for the deadlock to break. In the 14th minute, Rivers Angels took the lead through Abasiofon Uwah, who calmly converted a penalty following a handball in the box.
Edo Queens responded well, finding an equaliser 12 minutes later when Atume Doosuur pounced on a goalkeeping lapse.
However, just before the interval, Uwah struck again on a swift counter-attack to restore the lead for the hosts.
Reflecting on the performance, Coach Moses Aduku noted:
“Well, first and foremost, I want to thank God for the game. It was up to standard. Both sides played, and the team that scored two goals won the game. But all the same, I give kudos to my girls for fighting to the end to see how they could get the equaliser. But it did not come, but no problem. It was a good game from both sides.”
Defensive Lapses Cost Edo Queens Points
Despite creating several chances to get back into the game, the visitors were unable to find a second goal.
The defeat leaves them three points behind their opponents in the league standings. Coach Aduku pointed to missed opportunities and a momentary lack of focus at the back as the primary reasons for the result in Port Harcourt.
Regarding the decisive moments, Aduku explained:
“Of course, you know, in the first half we got some opportunity to score. We did not take it. Football is all about scoring. You get your chance; you take it. And secondly, my defenders were caught napping.
Despite the fact that, for me, I saw that it was an offside, but if my defenders had stood well, I think they would have caught up with that girl. But all the same, football is like that. One mistake, you concede. So all the same, I give kudos to my girl.”
A bright spot for the travelling side remains the form of Atume Doosuur, who has now netted six goals this season. Highlighting her importance to the squad, the coach added:
“Well, I always give it to her because I know that whenever she is at the point of scoring, she puts the ball in the net. You know, she would have gotten more than one. That’s what I’m teaching her. You don’t score only one.
By now, Atume should have about 12 goals. But all the same, in the first season, she scored six goals in eight games. Not bad at all. Doing well, but she needs to do more.”
As the first phase of the league concludes, Rivers Angels move to 21 points, while Edo Queens remain in third with 18.
Despite the “Japa syndrome” affecting player retention across the league, Aduku remains optimistic about the rising standards of the domestic game.
“Yeah, we are good. Good. The league is improving. But for the Japa syndrome that we are seeing, which is weakening our league, everybody wants to go for greener pastures.
But all the same, the coaches are doing well because replacements are taking place every day. Players are leaving, but replacements are taking place. So you find that the standard is still up there, but we are not there yet.”