Nigerian Football
Rivers Angels, the Jewels set to replicate Nigeria’s dominance at maiden CAF Women’s Championship
Founded as Larry Angels in 1986 by a women’s football lover, Lawrence Ezeh, Rivers Angels was renamed by then Rivers state governor’s first lady Eniye Patience Abbe after a takeover in 1991.
Since its establishment, Rivers Angels has been producing some of the most iconic players in the history of Africa women’s football and has been a fertile recruiting ground for the dominant Super Falcons, with record nine titles.
From Uche Eucharia [first coach and player to win Women’s AFCON] to Chioma Ajunwa, [pioneer captain and Nigeria gold medalist] and Perpetua Nkwocha to Asisat Oshoala [combined eight-time winners of Africa Women’s Player of the Year], the club have a back catalogue of stars that is scarcely believable.
“It has been a household name in Nigeria as far back as 1987 and I was the one who helped restructure the club with the help of Larry Ezeh,” Ajunwa, who is the first Nigerian and first black African woman to win gold at the 1996 Olympic, told CAFOnline.com.
“I was the one who went into the villages to pick the players who played during my eight years with the club. Then, Rivers Angels have had the luck of having good, zealous, determined players. Against all odds, the players were playing with great passion and focus on winning which is why the team is a household name.
“Since the government took over the club, they have taken proper care of the team which is why they have continued to excel. I think various governments and firms should emulate Rivers state government to help the women’s game grow in leaps and bounds.”
Since 2010, Rivers Angels have won the Nigerian Women’s Premier League six times, Women’s Federation Cup record eight times and Women’s Super Cup once – all under the tutelage of Edwin Okon.
“It’s not an easy job handling a women’s team, let alone being champions of the Nigerian league several times and the Federation Cup,” the 51-year-old tactician told CAFOnline.com.
“So many big players have passage through this big club, if we have 60 players abroad, I think about 40 of them has passaged through the club. I’m also happy with the privilege to handle the club. It takes a lot of sacrifice and discipline to achieve this.”
With 15 domestic titles in Nigerian football, the winning mentality imbibed by the players is a major secret, according to Okon.
“When you get to Rivers Angels as a new player, the first thing we make you understand is that this is where we change your mentality from a girl to a woman,” he opened up.
“We believe that the orientation will make a girl child, who wants to make podium success can go all the way to achieve it. It is not an easy task but we make them understand that our philosophy is win and players develop the mindset of a champion.”
The Jewels of Rivers will slug it out with Vihiga Queens of Kenya, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, ASFAR of Morocco in Group B and the tactician is upbeat about conquering the continent again.
“I think the club is a very big team. Going to Egypt, it is a big championship and we look forward to bringing home the trophy,” the 2014 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winner with Nigeria continued.
“Our target is the title as we’ve prepared well for the tournament. My calculation and focus are on winning the trophy. I have made the players understand the burden of the challenge on us.
“The whole country and our sponsor (Rivers State government) are behind us. To whom much is given, much is expected, we are not just going there (Egypt) to make the number as participants. Our winning mentality is high and we won’t disappoint everyone.”
Rivers will open their campaign against Moroccan champions at the Al Salam Stadium on November 6, 2021 before a meeting with Sundowns three days later and final group showdown with Vihiga on November 12.
-cafonline
By Kunle Solaja, Ikenne
Former champions Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists have been relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after dramatic Matchday 37 defeats left the title race and survival battle heading into a tense final day on May 24.
At the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Bayelsa United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Remo Stars despite taking an early lead through Ofem Nneoyi in the seventh minute. The striker raced through on goal before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa.
Remo Stars responded before the break when Alex Oyowah rose highest to head home the equaliser five minutes before halftime. Veteran forward Victor Mbaoma then struck the decisive goal in the 64th minute to hand the hosts a crucial victory that preserved their hopes of top-flight survival.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists twice led against Rivers United but eventually crashed 3-2 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in a pulsating encounter that also kept the title race alive until the final day.
Jonathan Mairiga gave Wikki the lead in the 21st minute before Handsome Surveyor restored parity for Rivers United in the 34th minute. Imamu Bala put Wikki ahead again four minutes into the second half, but Chijioke Mbaoma levelled for the visitors before Taofeek Otaniyi netted the dramatic winner in the 85th minute.
Rivers United’s late winner proved decisive for the championship race. For much of the afternoon, the Rangers looked set to clinch the title after establishing what had become a four-point lead while Rivers were trailing in Bauchi.
However, Rivers United’s comeback reduced Rangers’ advantage to just one point, ensuring the battle for the NPFL crown will be settled on the final day of the season.
Rangers, the only NPFL club never to have suffered relegation, edged Bendel Insurance 2-1 in Enugu to stay top of the table on 65 points. Godwin Obaje scored twice for the Flying Antelopes, while Alex Oweilayefa grabbed Bendel Insurance’s goal.
Rivers United remain second on 64 points and will host Katsina United on the final day, while Rangers travel to Lagos for a difficult encounter against Ikorodu City.
The race for continental qualification also intensified after Shooting Stars defeated Barau FC 1-0 in Ibadan courtesy of Lucky Emmanuel’s first-half strike. The Oluyole Warriors climbed to third place with 60 points.
Ikorodu City, however, suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Katsina United. Jamilu Yusuf scored twice for the hosts, while Azeez Falolu and Daniel Agara added further goals. Abayomi Ayodeji scored Ikorodu City’s lone goal.
Kano Pillars boosted their survival hopes with a narrow 1-0 win over Warri Wolves thanks to a Rabiu Ali penalty, while Federation Cup holders Kwara United defeated Enyimba 2-0 through Bright Babatunde’s first-half brace.
In Lafia, Nasarawa United beat Plateau United 1-0 with Jofrank Istifanus scoring the only goal, though the result was not enough to keep them in contention for a continental ticket.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the round came in Aba, where Kun Khalifat stunned Abia Warriors 2-0. Uchechukwu Onuoha scored both goals to move the newcomers closer to securing another season in the NPFL.
El-Kanemi Warriors and Niger Tornadoes played out a goalless draw in Maiduguri.
With one round of matches remaining, Rangers lead the standings on 65 points, one ahead of Rivers United, while Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists are confirmed as the two relegated sides
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigerian Football
Ever-Present Falconets Qualify for 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Despite Malawi Scare
Nigeria’s U20 girls, the Falconets, once again underlined their status as Africa’s most consistent side at youth level after sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland despite a nervy 2-1 defeat to Malawi’s Young Scorchers in Lilongwe on Saturday.
The seven-time African champions progressed 3-2 on aggregate, relying on the crucial 2-0 first-leg victory secured in Ikenne a week earlier through an own goal by Malawi defender Maureen Kenneth and a fine strike from Kindness Ifeanyi.
The qualification means Nigeria have maintained their remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since the competition was introduced.
Backed by a passionate home crowd in Lilongwe, the Young Scorchers came out aggressively and quickly put the Falconets under pressure. Their persistence paid off early in the first half when a defensive mix-up in the Nigerian backline allowed a Malawian attacker to head home the opener and spark hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Nigeria almost responded immediately through the lively Kindness Ifeanyi, whose dangerous delivery from the right flank found Favour Nkwocha inside the area. However, Nkwocha’s powerful effort crashed against the woodwork as the hosts carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The tension intensified 10 minutes after the restart when another lapse in Nigeria’s defence gifted Malawi a second goal, drawing the tie level at 2-2 on aggregate and placing the Falconets’ proud qualification streak in serious danger.
With the momentum shifting towards the hosts, Falconets coach Moses Aduku turned to his bench for inspiration, and substitute Precious Oscar delivered at the decisive moment.
Oscar capitalised on hesitation in the Malawian defence in the 62nd minute, dispossessing an opponent before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper to hand Nigeria a priceless away goal and restore their aggregate advantage.
The strike silenced the home crowd and ultimately proved decisive as the Falconets showed composure and resilience in the closing stages to protect their lead and confirm another appearance on the global stage.
Although the defeat marked a rare away setback for Aduku’s side after impressive victories in Rwanda and Senegal earlier in the qualifying campaign, the Falconets achieved their primary mission of securing qualification for the world finals.
The 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5 to 26.
Following the match, the Nigerian delegation expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador Ibrahim Miringa, and the staff of the Nigerian mission in Malawi for their hospitality and support throughout the team’s stay in the southern African nation.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Sporting Lagos have emerged champions of the 2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) after edging city rivals Inter Lagos on goal difference at the end of the season-ending Super Four tournament in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The competition concluded on Friday at the Remo Stars Stadium with a dramatic Lagos derby that saw Inter Lagos defeat Sporting Lagos 1-0 on the final day.
Despite the loss, the “Tech Boys” still claimed the NNL title and the accompanying ₦10 million prize money after finishing top of the standings on superior goal difference.
Sporting Lagos entered the decisive Matchday Three needing only a draw to secure the crown, but their commanding earlier performances proved decisive. They had opened the Super Four campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ranchers Bees before producing the tournament’s most emphatic result with a 4-0 demolition of Doma United.
Inter Lagos also finished the competition on six points after recovering from an opening 1-0 defeat to Doma United. They responded with a 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees before securing the derby triumph against Sporting Lagos.
Ranchers Bees and Doma United finished third and fourth respectively, completing the quartet of clubs that have secured promotion to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
For Sporting Lagos, the Super Four triumph represents a strong statement ahead of their return to top-flight football, while Inter Lagos will also head into the elite division with confidence after an impressive finish to the tournament.
The final day of the competition provided an entertaining atmosphere at the Remo Stars Stadium, with the well-organised event offering a glimpse of what fans can expect from the newly promoted clubs in the coming NPFL campaign.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Shooting Stars, Ikorodu City, in Winner-Takes-All Quest for Confederation Cup ticket
Rangers, Rivers United Seal CAF Champions League Tickets
Barcelona seal 29th LaLiga title with 2-0 Clasico win over Real Madrid
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- Boxing1 week ago
Usyk backs Joshua to beat Fury ahead of heavyweight showdown
- World Cup3 days ago
FIFA Plans Three Opening Ceremonies in All Host Nations for 2026 World Cup
- World Cup3 days ago
United States Unveils Hollywood-Style FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony
- World Cup3 days ago
Mexico president wavers on plan to cut school year by 40 days for the World Cup
- World Cup4 days ago
Burna Boy Joins Shakira for Official 2026 World Cup Song ‘Dai Dai’
- World Cup6 days ago
Despite 2026 Absence, Nigeria Still Leads Africa’s World Cup Winners’ Chart
- Premier League3 days ago
Man United’s Fernandes and City’s Shaw win FWA Footballer of the Year awards
- Nigerian Football3 days ago
Sporting Lagos Crowned 2026 NNL Champions After Dramatic Super Four Finale