Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt winger, Rita Peter Akpata has described Saturday’s victory in the 2024 President Federation Cup final as compensation for their failure to win the league.
The Garden City club’s number 11 player recalled how downcast they all were when they failed to shine during the Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) Super-6 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
She, however, pointed out that she and her colleagues fought back with determination and eventually recovered well from the setback to redeem their season.
While detailing how all players in Coach Whyte Ogbonda’s team did not allow their league loss to weigh them down, Peter admitted it was a thing of joy on Saturday, when a 44th-minute penalty by Blessing Okpe gave them victory against Naija Ratels of the FCT, and they were singing songs of joy at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Speaking about her emotions after lifting the trophy in its first edition as President Federation Cup, Peter said it was a day of excitement and fulfilment, which she believes will set the stage for better things to come in her career.
Peter added, “I feel so excited because this is my fourth time winning the FA Cup back-to-back. I am very happy, and I pray for more.”
Peter then recounted how she and her colleagues were able to get over their disappointment in the league, which was eventually won by their fellow south-south rivals, Edo Queens of Benin City.
Peter further extenuated:
“After failing to win the Super-6, we didn’t lose focus, and we didn’t lose hope. We decided to fight harder, and we thank God for our successful outing in the FA Cup.
“Now I can say this season is good enough, because we didn’t lose everything, and we are going back home with something.”
The amiable lass concluded by looking into the future and disclosed that she wants to achieve better marks for herself individually in the coming season.
Rita Peter declared, “We will now plan better ahead of next season. By the grace of God, we will take both the FA Cup and the league successfully.
“I also pray that God will help me achieve the personal target that I set for myself and even pass it.
“I want to be the highest goal scorer and most valuable player next season.”
