Naija Ratels Gear Up for Historic Federation Cup Final

Naija Ratels is gearing up for a historic match against Rivers Angels in the President Federation Cup final this Saturday. The final, which will be held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, is important for the Abuja-based club as they need to secure their first major silverware.

Coach Bankole Olowookere, who led Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, to a bronze medal at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, is confident in his team’s chances despite their underdog status.

Olowookere expressed his determination ahead of the match, stating, “We thank God for taking us this far in the competition. Our target included doing well in the Cup, and now we are in the final. We have a plan and a strategy to emerge champions on Saturday.”

This confidence stems from their dramatic journey to the final, including a thrilling 7-6 penalty shootout victory over Remo Stars Ladies after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Facing them are the experienced Rivers Angels, who have won the competition eight times. Rivers Angels secured their place in the final with a 2-1 win over Delta Queens.

Naija Ratels’ achievement is notable as they are the first club from Abuja to reach the women’s final of the President Federation Cup in 24 years. The last team from the capital to make it this far was FCT Queens, who lost to Rivers Angels in 2000.

For Rivers Angels, this final is an opportunity to extend their legacy, having only failed to win the competition once between 2010 and 2018. However, for Naija Ratels, it represents a chance to write their names in the annals of Nigerian women’s football history.

The finals will be played on Saturday, June 29. Both teams are determined to claim the trophy, making this one of the most anticipated matches in the tournament’s history.