The 2025 Nigeria Women’s FA Cup final is shaping into an instant classic as Rivers Angels mounted a spirited comeback to level the score 2-2 against Nasarawa Amazons, turning what initially looked like a rout into a nail-biting contest at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
After falling behind early in the first half to a stunning brace from Nasarawa’s forward Olushola Shobowale wearing jersey number 20, the reigning champions looked rattled, their usually unflappable structure cracking under pressure. Shobowale’s goals, expertly taken with poise and tactical precision, stunned both fans and pundits, injecting belief into a Nasarawa side hungry for a return to dominance.
However, the Angels were not ready to surrender their crown without a fight on their arrival for the second half battle.
Wearing jersey number 14, Rivers forward Taiwo Ajibalade sparked the comeback midway through the second half, finishing clinically after a rare defensive lapse by the Amazons. Her goal, a mix of individual sharpness and opportunistic play, breathed new life into the match and reignited the Rivers supporters in the packed stands.
Just minutes later, the equalizer came and it was poetic. Another Taiwo, midfield dynamo Taiwo Afolabi, donning jersey number 8, struck a powerful, low-driven effort from the edge of the box that beat the outstretched arms of the Nasarawa goalkeeper. The comeback was complete, and suddenly, the tide of the match had shifted.
This dramatic turnaround underscores the resilience and championship DNA of Rivers Angels. Known for their composure in adversity, the seven-time champions demonstrated exactly why they remain a dominant force in Nigerian women’s football.
But while Rivers have clawed their way back into the contest, the story of the first half remains a testament to Nasarawa Amazons' tactical brilliance, spearheaded by Shobowale's inspired play. The contest now balances on a knife’s edge—either side capable of delivering the decisive blow.
In the stands, Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule and other dignitaries continue to rally behind the Amazons, signaling the growing governmental support for women’s football—a shift that mirrors the sport’s evolution across the country.
As the match enters its final stretch, fans across Nigeria are witnessing more than just a cup final. This is a battle of legacies, of emerging stars versus seasoned champions, of a changing tide in Nigerian women’s football. The names Ajibalade, Afolabi, and Shobowale will be remembered not just for their goals, but for the fierce spirit they’ve brought to this historic contest.
Who will prevail? The final whistle will tell. But one thing is clear: this final is more than a game—it’s a showcase of courage, class, and the unstoppable rise of the women’s game in Nigeria.
Victor Nwegede reporting live from Mobolaji Johnson Arena Stadium Lagos State.
