Rivers Angels opened their NWFL Super Six campaign in dramatic fashion on Saturday, edging Robo Queens 3-2 in an entertaining encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
The contest swung back and forth with momentum shifts, defensive lapses, and clinical finishing, as the hosts eventually did just enough to secure maximum points in a five-goal thriller.
Rivers Angels set the tone early in NWFL Super Six clash
Rivers Angels made a good start and immediately put Robo Queens under pressure in their NWFL Super Six opener, creating early chances that signalled their attacking intent.
Grace Saliu came close inside the opening moments before quickly making amends, reacting fastest to a goalmouth scramble to tap home the opener after the Robo goalkeeper failed to clear her lines.
Despite taking the lead, Rivers Angels struggled to maintain control, with several offside interruptions breaking their rhythm.
Robo Queens gradually settled into the contest and began to threaten, testing the Rivers defence with aerial pressure and quick combinations.
Their persistence paid off in the 22nd minute when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi finished off a well-worked move to level the score at 1-1, capitalising on space created down the right flank.
The equaliser shifted the tempo, with both sides trading spells of pressure before half-time.
NWFL Super Six thriller sees Rivers Angels hold off Robo Queens fightback
The second half of the NWFL Super Six showdown delivered even more intensity as Rivers Angels reasserted themselves in decisive fashion.
Abasiofon Uwah restored the lead just after the hour mark, powering home from a corner with a sharp finish into the roof of the net.
Barely had Robo Queens regrouped when Ramotalahi Kareem extended the advantage.
A swift counterattack and neat interplay inside the box ended with Kareem calmly slotting home to make it 3-1, giving Rivers Angels a cushion in the contest.
However, Robo Queens refused to fold. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi struck again with ten minutes left, finishing off another move from the right to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finale.
Late drama followed as Robo Queens nearly forced a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, but Rivers Angels survived a one-on-one scare after a last-ditch defensive intervention cleared the danger.
The hosts ultimately held firm to secure a 3-2 victory in their NWFL Super Six opener.
Rivers Angels will take confidence from the result, while Robo Queens will be left to reflect on missed opportunities in a fiercely contested encounter.