Edo Queens boosted their Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) title ambitions with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rivers Angels in a thrilling South-South Derby clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, on Friday.
The Matchday 4 encounter of the NWFL Premiership Super Six playoffs saw the Benin-based side claim a crucial three points thanks to goals from Precious Oscar and Chioma Moses, a result that puts them firmly in control of the title race.
Edo Queens vs Rivers Angels: Benin Ladies Take Command of Title Race
Edo Queens entered the contest needing to maintain momentum after recovering from an opening-day defeat to Nasarawa Amazons with impressive victories over FC Robo Queens and Abia Angels.
Rivers Angels, meanwhile, were desperate for a response after consecutive defeats to Abia Angels and Bayelsa Queens had dented their championship hopes. The Port Harcourt side knew only a victory would revive their campaign.
Both teams started brightly, creating early opportunities and testing each other’s goalkeepers. However, Edo Queens gradually asserted themselves and created the better openings.
Their pressure finally paid off nine minutes after the half-hour mark when Precious Oscar broke the deadlock.
A dangerous cross into the penalty area caused confusion in the Rivers Angels defence, with defenders colliding while attempting to clear the ball.
Oscar reacted quickest and fired home first time to hand Edo Queens a deserved lead before the break.
The goal gave Moses Aduku’s side a valuable advantage heading into halftime after an impressive first-half display.
Chioma Moses Delivers Winning Moment in South-South Derby
Rivers Angels returned from the interval with renewed energy and determination.
Their positive start was rewarded 12 minutes after the hour mark when substitute Abasiofon Uwah made an immediate impact.
The forward led a swift counterattack, dribbled past her marker, and calmly slotted her effort into the bottom corner to bring the hosts level and ignite celebrations among the home supporters.
The equaliser set up a tense finale, with both sides pushing for a winning goal.
However, Edo Queens responded brilliantly. Defensive lapses at the back allowed another dangerous delivery into the Rivers Angels penalty area.
The goalkeeper failed to gather the cross cleanly, and Chioma Moses was perfectly positioned to pounce on the loose ball and fire into the net.
Her decisive strike restored Edo Queens’ lead and ultimately secured all three points in a fiercely contested derby encounter.
The victory ensured Edo Queens completed another South-South Derby triumph, while Rivers Angels suffered a third consecutive defeat and a second successive derby loss by the same scoreline.
With the result, Rivers Angels’ title hopes are effectively over as they now shift attention to their final playoff fixture against Nasarawa Amazons on Sunday.
Edo Queens remain top of the Super Six standings with nine points and will face Bayelsa Queens in what promises to be a title-deciding clash.
A draw could be enough to secure the championship for Moses Aduku’s side, while Bayelsa Queens must win to keep their hopes alive.