The spotlight will be on midfielder Josephine Mathias as Rivers Angels prepare to face Nasarawa Amazons in the grand finale of the women’s competition of the 2025 President Federation Cup, taking place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena this Saturday.
Six years after returning from a stint in Turkey with Trabzon Idmanocagi, Mathias joined Rivers Angels Football Club in Port Harcourt. She was part of the team that faced Nasarawa Amazons in the final of the Nigeria FA Cup in Kaduna back in 2019.
Now serving as the captain of Nasarawa Amazons, much is expected of Mathias as her team takes on the reigning champions and numerous-time winners, Rivers Angels.
Last year, Rivers Angels narrowly claimed victory against Naija Ratels FC of Abuja with a 1-0 scoreline at the same venue, securing their ninth title. This triumph partly compensated for their painful defeat to arch-rivals Bayelsa Queens in the 2023 final, where the match was decided by penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
The losses to Nasarawa Amazons six years ago and Bayelsa Queens last year are among the few occasions when the Jewels of Rivers have concluded a season without the coveted Nigeria FA Cup.
Under the guidance of coach Tosan Blankson, Rivers Angels have delivered impressive performances in the tournament thus far, dispatching Ilorin-based Moje Queens with a resounding 7-0 victory, followed by a 5-0 win over First Mahi Babes from Abakaliki. They also overcame Remo Stars Ladies in the quarter-finals, winning 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, before securing a 1-0 victory against a resilient Ibom Angels in the semi-finals.
Conversely, Nasarawa Amazons dominated the tournament, thrashing Kwara Ladies 6-0 in the Round of 32, edging past last year’s winners Bayelsa Queens 2-1 in the Round of 16, overwhelming Sunshine Queens with a 4-0 victory in the quarter-finals, and sending Edo Queens home with a 2-0 defeat in the semi-finals.
While the Amazons will be without first-choice goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defender Sikiratu Isah, who are currently part of the Super Falcons competing in Morocco for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, they still boast a strong lineup, including Mathias and fellow players Jumoke Alani, Oluchi Ohaegbulem, Aminat Bello, Shola Shobowale, Yina Adoo, and forward Janet Akekoromowei, all of whom have represented Nigeria at various levels.
Meanwhile, the Jewels of Rivers will benefit from an experienced squad featuring goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi, and junior internationals Peace Effiong, Motunrayo Ezekiel, and Chidera Okenwa.
In the men’s final, all eyes will be on Kwara United’s goal machine, Wasiu Alalade, as the Afonja Warriors prepare to take on Abakaliki FC at 4pm. Alalade is renowned for his dedication, marksmanship, and resilience.
Kwara United also relies on seasoned goalkeeper Suraju Aiyeleso and prominent players like Isa Gatta, Adamu Abubakar, and Wasiu Jimoh. Abakaliki FC will look to goalkeeper Pascal Elochukwu and defenders Cyril Timothy, Chisom Ogbu, Ejike Nwafor, Collins Kalu, and Chukwudi Okoro to guide them in their quest for glory.
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