Bayelsa Queens came from behind to secure a hard-fought draw against their South-South rivals, Rivers Angels, in a NWFL Matchday Five encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Coach Whyte Ogbonda made seven changes to the squad that previously defeated Adamawa Queens, with Super Falcons goalkeeper Monle Omini replacing Agatha Thompson in goal. Amblessed Ogbonnaya and Sefiat Idris returned to the starting lineup, while Chiamaka Ezekwugo and Zainab Olapade bolstered the midfield. Mercy Omokwo and Peace Abbey led the attack.
READ ALSO: NBBF President Musa Kida Visits D’Tigers’ Abuja Camp
The match started with an early setback for Bayelsa Queens as Rivers Angels’ striker, Peace Effiong, capitalized on a defensive mix-up to put the home team ahead in the 10th minute. The goal boosted the confidence of the hosts, who continued to apply pressure, but Bayelsa Queens held firm.
Seventeen minutes later, Amblessed Ogbonnaya’s quick throw-in found Zainab Olapade, who netted a stunning equalizer, silencing the home crowd and sparking celebrations among the traveling Bayelsa fans.
The second half saw more drama when Rivers Angels were awarded a penalty following an error from Jennifer Oliver. Aminat Folorunsho stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Monle Omini produced a brilliant save, denying both the initial shot and the rebound.
Coach Whyte Ogbonda made crucial substitutions, bringing in Dooshima Tarnum and Rose Ekong, which almost paid off when Mercy Omokwo found herself through on goal but missed the target. In the dying minutes, Rivers Angels’ captain, Ifeoma Paulinus, struck the crossbar in what could have been the winning goal.
With the draw, Bayelsa Queens remain top of the NWFL Group B table with 11 points and a +8 goal difference, while Rivers Angels sit in second place with the same points but a +4 goal difference.
Coach Whyte Ogbonda expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, emphasizing that they followed the game plan. “I’m really happy with how my players executed our strategy. If we had scored first, we would have won,” he stated.
Rivers Angels coach, Tosan Blackson, remains confident that his team will emerge as league champions by the end of the season.
Bayelsa Queens will next face Naija Ratels on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa
