Shobowale’s brace sent Nasarawa’s fans into ecstasy and threatened to end Rivers Angels’ reign at the top. With Nasarawa tactically superior and sharper in transitions, it seemed the Angels were on course to surrender their crown in spectacular fashion.
But champions are made in adversity.
The second half saw a transformed Rivers Angels. Tactical tweaks by the coaching crew reignited the team’s tempo and cohesion. Enter Taiwo Ajibalade (jersey number 14), whose determined press and eye for goal narrowed the margin with a fine finish that exposed rare cracks in the Amazons’ defense. Her goal didn’t just reduce the deficit—it changed the narrative.
Then came the equalizer, delivered with authority by another Taiwo—Afolabi, wearing jersey number 8. Her long-range, low-driven rocket brought the scoreline to 2-2, flipping the psychological momentum and sending the Rivers bench into wild celebration.
With full-time ending in a dramatic stalemate, the cup would be decided in a post-regulation showdown—where the Angels truly took flight.
In extra time, Rivers Angels showed the depth of their experience and the ferocity of their ambition. Two more goals, executed with clinical precision, broke the Amazons’ resistance. While Nasarawa had dazzled early, it was Rivers who dictated the endgame, scoring four in total to seal an emphatic 4-2 victory.
The win not only underscores the Angels’ dominance in the women’s game but also highlights the emergence of a new attacking core in the Taiwo duo—Ajibalade and Afolabi—who were central to the comeback story.
In the stands, Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule watched as his side's early promise gave way to the Angels' storm. His presence, alongside other dignitaries, reflected the growing political and cultural capital surrounding women’s football in Nigeria.
This final was more than a clash of skill—it was a showcase of resilience, national pride, and the rising standard of the women’s game. Rivers Angels didn’t just win a trophy; they defended their legacy under fire and delivered a footballing masterclass that will inspire the next generation.
From the raw brilliance of Shobowale to the commanding leadership and finishing of Ajibalade and Afolabi, this was a final for the ages. And as the confetti rained down over Mobolaji Johnson Arena, one truth became clear:
The queens of Nigerian football still wear blue.
By Victor Nwegede, reporting from Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos
