By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Nigeria’s women football league reigning Champions, Rivers Angels on Monday night confirmed their status as one of the best clubs in West Africa by thrashing Amis du Monde of Togo 5-1 in the second semi final clash of the WAFU-B football tournament in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
By this victory Rivers Angels did not only qualify for the final of the competition, the club also booked the ticket to represent Zone B at the maiden Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Women’s Champions League (WCL) slated for Egypt later in the year.
The Port Harcourt-based club was in the killer mood on the night and showed it by going ahead early in the tensed encounter when midfielder, Deborah Abiodun benefited in a goalmouth melee to poke the ball beyond the reach of Amis du Monde goalkeeper, Amelila Amouklou for the first goal.
Enterprising forward, Maryann Ezenagu who has scored back to back braces in two successive matches second Rivers Angels second goal to make it 2-0 at half time.
‘The Pride of Rivers’ were more devastating upfront in the second have and it did not take time before another forward, Damilola Koku made it three goals just as substitute Cynthia Aku added the fourth goal while Ezenagu completed the coup d’ grace when she scored goal number five for her team.
Although Amis du Monde managed to score a goal against Rivers Angels’ goalkeeper, Ibubeleye White who before Monday tie never conceded any goal in two previous games she was between the sticks for the Nigerian representatives.
Rivers Angels will take on Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies, a team it beat 2-0 in the first Group B tie last week in the epic final slated for Thursday, August, 5 at Stade Champroux in Abidjan.
Meanwhile, Rivers Angels General manager, Matilda Otuene-Oyiloha has attributed her team’s victories so far in Abidjan to hardwork and professionalism shown by the every member of the team.
She also said the team cannot afford to disappoint their No.1 Supporter, Governor Nyesom Wike, Government and people of Rivers state and Nigerian fans who have implicit confidence in them.
