Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt won their ninth Nigeria’s National Cup title, defeating Abuja’s Naija Ratels in a breathtaking final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Saturday.
The El-Kanemi Warriors, the boys from Maiduguri, won their third President Federation Cup, edging the Abia Warriors in the final, according to Persecondnews.
The women’s final, a thrilling match between the Garden City Angels and the Federal Capital Naija Ratels, began at 1 p.m. next to the Lagos Waterfront. Blessing Okpe’s penalty kick goal just before the half-time whistle determined the outcome.
Coach Whyte Ogbonda, who lifted his first trophy as head coach, praised his players for their dedication, resilience, and hard work.
He said: “This victory is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. We are thrilled to be champions of the President Federation Cup.”
The Rivers Angels have now won 15 major trophies since 2010 – 11 season, more than any other team. They have won at least one trophy in 12 of their last 14 seasons: nine Federation Cups and six NWFL titles.
Naija Ratels’ head coach, Bankole Olowookere, commended his young squad for their progress to the final.
Bankole said: “Although we did not get the desired result, I am proud of my players for their fighting spirit. We will learn from this experience and come back stronger.”
In the men’s final, the El-Kanemi Warriors put up a fabulous show to subdue the hard-fighting Abia Warriors 2-0 in a game that kept spectators on the edges of their seats for long periods.
Nimble-footed midfielder Nasiru Salihu, who would be crowned the most valuable player of the competition, dazzled in the middle of the park and scored both goals to postpone the Abia Warriors’ glory day.
The victory earned the El-Kanemi Warriors, who won the trophy in 1991 and 1992, a ticket to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup alongside Enyimba FC of Aba.
The Sports Development Minister, Sen. John Enoh, the Acting Governor of Borno State, Mr. Umar Usman, and the President of the NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, were among the dignitaries as Nigeria’s Cup final returned to its birthplace by the Lagos Waterfront.
Others include representatives of the governors of Lagos and Abia States, Nigeria’s FIFA Member Amau Pinnick, top officials of the Lagos State Government, members of the NFF Executive Committee, members of the NFF Congress, and directors of the NFF and the Lagos State Football Association.
AWARDS
WOMEN’S COMPETITION
Winner: Rivers Angels (N25 million)
Runner-Up: Naija Ratels (N10 million)
MVP: Blessing Okpe (Rivers Angels FC)
Top scorer: Agama Ziperefeghe (Naija Ratels FC)
Best Goalkeeper: Agatha Thompson (Rivers Angels FC)
MEN’S COMPETITION
Winner: El-Kanemi Warriors (N50 million)
Runner-Up: Abia Warriors (N20 million)
MVP: Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors FC)
Top scorer: Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United FC)
Best Goalkeeper: Ali Ishaku (Abia Warriors FC)
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