Rivers Angels head coach Tosan Blankson has pointed to missed chances as the major reason behind his side’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Abia Angels in their Matchday 2 encounter of the 2026 NWFL Premiership Super Six playoffs in Port Harcourt.
The Jewel of Rivers went into the game full of confidence after their dramatic 3-2 victory over FC Robo Queens in the opening round.
However, they were stunned by Super Six debutants Abia Angels, who secured a historic win courtesy of Winner David’s first-half header at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
NWFL Super Six: Blankson rues missed chances against Abia Angels
Speaking after the match, Blankson admitted that his players created enough opportunities to avoid defeat but failed to convert them.
“You all watched the match. Sometimes football is cruel. The girls went to the party today, but they could not deliver in the party. Sometimes you have a bad day. The attack line, the chances came, chances upon chances, but today wasn’t their day.”
Rivers Angels dominated large spells of the contest, especially after the break, but could not find a way past a disciplined Abia Angels defence.
“They played very, very well. It was a loss of concentration when they conceded that goal, and after they conceded that goal, they had every opportunity to equalise and get the winning goal. But the equalizer did not come; the winning goal did not come.”
The Rivers Angels coach also explained the tactical decision to bypass midfield areas during parts of the game due to the condition of the pitch.
“We tried to pass the middle, and we found that because the pitch is a little bit waterlogged, it wasn’t giving them good access to the ball. So we had to cut off the midfield and use the attack from the defense to the attacker.”
Rivers Angels coach Blankson looks ahead
When asked whether Abia Angels had figured out his tactics following Rivers Angels’ victory over them in the Federation Cup, Blankson dismissed the suggestion.
“Not that they know my tactics. The difference now is that the FA Cup is a different ball game from the league.
So now we are in the Super 6. If you don’t take your chances, it’s your business. We refuse to take our chances, and we have lost.”
The result leaves Rivers Angels with one win and one defeat from their opening two Super Six matches, while Abia Angels moved to four points after following up their opening-day draw against Bayelsa Queens with a memorable victory.
Despite the setback, Blankson insists his team must quickly shift their focus to the next challenge.
“It’s now left for the technical crew to put the girls in order. Let them know that in football, you are as good as your last match. Their last match has come and gone. They should be focused on the one that is coming.”