Rivers Angels coach Whyte Ogbonda has expressed his delight in ending his trophyless managerial run after guiding his team to their 9th National Cup title.
Blessing Okpe’s first-half penalty secured a much-needed victory for the Jewels of Rivers over Naija Ratels, crowning them champions of the prestigious Women’s President Federation Cup.
In his post-match comments, Ogbonda acknowledged the pressure to win, having previously led Ibom Angels to runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2018, both times losing to Rivers Angels.
He also revealed that the team was highly motivated after losing the 2024 NWFL Premiership playoffs in Yenagoa to eventual winners Edo Queens.
“The match wasn’t easy because I expected a tough game from Naija Ratels,” Ogbonda said.
“I’ve gotten to a team like Rivers Angels where I have experienced and young players to be able to get the trophy. There was pressure on me to win. I am happy today to have broken the jinx as a trophyless coach.
“The team is well motivated because when they lost the NWFL, we told them that they need to give themselves a market value and bargaining power to end the season with a trophy. That’s what spurred them up to work hard to achieve the result today.”
Rivers Angels’ triumph, their ninth overall, ends a six-year drought since their last Female Federation Cup win in 2018.
The team is set to receive a 25 million naira cash prize.
