Bayelsa Queens Retain Federation Cup Title After Shootout Victory
In the final of the 2023 NFF-TINGO Federation Cup, Bayelsa Queens FC defeated Rivers Angels FC 4-2 on penalties after the match ended goalless in regulation time, lifting the trophy after a thrilling women’s finale at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
After a goalless draw in the first half, Flourish Sabastine forced Rivers Angels’ goalkeeper into a brilliant save in the second half.
On the other side, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu also had a clear chance for a possible winner for Edwin Okon’s side, but sent her effort wide. With both sides not separated after 90 minutes, the game went straight to penalties.
Domo Okara’s side scored four of its spot-kicks, with Edet Glory playing her penalty over the bar.
However, Eight-time Federation Cup champions, Rivers United scored two and missed two of its spot-kicks as Chiamaka missed.
Bayelsa Queens goalkeeper Okeke Onyinye then saved another penalty to hand her side a 4-2 win in the shootout.
The victory sealed back-to-back Federation Cup titles for Bayelsa Queens after its first in 2021, when they beat Robo Queens. The final also rekindled the South-South derby and solidified the Yenegoa-based side’s dominance over its neighbours from Port Harcourt.
The Yenagoa based club, who finished second in the 2022/2023 Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six, will take great pride in lifting the Federation cup trophy.
Rivers Angels assistant coach, Chinwe Anwuri described the match as a balanced game in which both teams showed their class as top teams of female football in Nigeria.
“You will agree with me that the match was balanced. Both teams gave their best and we saw good football,” Anwuri said. “We have played Bayelsa Queens several times before. We have equally beaten them before.”
“We could have won the game within the regulation time, but it happened that the game went into penalty and like you know, penalty is a game of luck. So, today, it went the way of Bayelsa Queens, so I say good luck to them.”
Also speaking, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, described the victory of the Bayelsa Queens as a gift from God.
He said the team was prepared coming into the final in their quest to win the cup as a compensation for the loss they suffered in the NWFL super six finals.
“Today is a day of joy to us in Bayelsa. Coming here to lift the cup is a source of great joy and fulfilment,” he added.
“This trophy is a blessing to us most especially with the recent heartbreak the team suffered losing the super six and the tragedy that befell our supporters club.”
“This trophy is a compensation to us and we are dedicating it to the memory of those four supporters of the team that died,” Igali said.
Notable sports personalities and dignitaries also watched the game, amongst them was the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau.
