Rivers Angels and Naija Ratels blow hot ahead of Federation Cup final

Rivers Angels and Naija Ratels blow hot ahead of Federation Cup final

Hassan Abdulsalam 12:20 - 28.06.2024

The women's final will start at 1 pm on Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, followed by the men's final at 4 pm.

Ahead of the Federation Cup final, Rivers Angels and Naija Ratels are in high spirits going into the final.

The women's final will start at 1 pm on Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, followed by the men's final, which kicks off at 4 pm.

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Rivers Angels coach Whyte Ogbonda emphasised that his team, which features Nigeria U-20 player Blessing Okpe and Flamingos’ forward Peace Effiong, will not underestimate Naija Ratels but will strive for victory wholeheartedly.

“Yes, Rivers Angels have always reached the women’s final of the Cup, and here we are again. Our target is to lift the trophy and bring it back to Rivers State, having lost the opportunity to win the league.

"As a team, we are indebted to Rivers State government to bring back the trophy. That is the only way we can show appreciation for the government’s huge investment in the team.”

Olowookere believes it's Naija Ratels' turn to lift FA Cup

World Cup bronze medalist, Bankole Olowookere, has revealed that it is the turn of Naija Ratels to lift the Federation Cup.

“We thank God for taking us this far in the competition. During the league’s regular season, we did not quite meet up with our own expectations. However, our target at the beginning of the season also included doing well in the Cup, and now we are in the final.

“For sure, we are the distinct underdogs against Rivers Angels that have won this trophy eight times before now. But no team is unbeatable. We have a plan and a strategy to emerge champions on Saturday. We want to do this for our proprietor and for our supporters who have been with us through victory and defeat, through thick and thin. I can assure you that Naija Ratels are determined to make history.”

Naija Ratels is the first club from Abuja in 24 years to reach the final of the Women's Cup. In 2000, FCT Queens lost to the same Rivers Angels in the final.

On Saturday, Ogbonda will be gunning for his first National Cup title as head coach, having guided unfancied Ibom Angels to runners-up position in 2017 and 2018.

However, on both occasions, they lost to Rivers Angels. The strategist has tasted victory previously, albeit as assistant coach, when Rivers Angels won the trophy in 2014.

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