Key Takeaways

• Edo Queens lost 2-1 to Rivers Angels in Yenagoa.
• Emem Essien scored her third goal of the NWFL Super Six.
• Defensive mistakes proved costly for the Benin side.
• Coach Moses Aduku says the team remains confident.
• Edo Queens now prepare for a crucial clash against Heartland Queens.

Edo Queens vs Rivers Angels Ends in Narrow Defeat

Edo Queens suffered a hard-fought 2-1 defeat against Rivers Angels in a fiercely contested Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

Despite the loss, Edo Queens produced an energetic display that earned applause from supporters who watched the dramatic contest unfold on a rain-soaked pitch.

The defeat leaves the Benin-based side with three points from two matches as attention now shifts to their next fixture against Heartland Queens.

Early Errors Cost Edo Queens

Rivers Angels capitalised on defensive lapses to take control early in the game.

The Port Harcourt club opened scoring in the ninth minute after Edo Queens goalkeeper Ijeoma Ozoma struggled with the slippery conditions caused by earlier rainfall. The error handed Rivers Angels an early advantage.

Things worsened for Edo Queens in the 28th minute when a defensive mix-up resulted in an own goal, extending Rivers Angels’ lead to 2-0.

Although trailing by two goals, Edo Queens continued to push forward aggressively rather than retreat into a defensive setup.

Emem Essien Shines Again

Forward Emem Essien once again emerged as Edo Queens’ standout performer.

The striker reduced the deficit in the 39th minute with a powerful long-range effort that reportedly caught Rivers Angels goalkeeper Ademola Morufa off guard. The goal marked Essien’s third strike of the ongoing NWFL Super Six tournament.

Edo Queens Push for Equaliser

The second half delivered end-to-end football as both teams searched for more goals.

Edo Queens captain Abideen Suliyat dictated play in midfield, while Osigwe Goodness consistently threatened the Rivers Angels defence with penetrating passes and attacking movement.

Essien appeared to have equalised at one point with a well-placed header, but the assistant referee ruled the effort offside.

Another golden opportunity arrived when Osigwe delivered a precise pass into the penalty area for Essien, but the forward failed to convert from close range.

Late in the game, Chioma Olise struck a powerful free-kick that crashed against the woodwork, denying Edo Queens what could have been a dramatic equaliser.

Coach Aduku Remains Optimistic

Speaking after the match, Edo Queens head coach Moses Aduku insisted his side remains firmly in contention despite the setback.

According to Aduku, the team will review mistakes made during the encounter, particularly in the goalkeeping department, before their remaining fixtures.

The coach also maintained that Edo Queens are not intimidated by any opponent in the competition and remain determined to secure victories in their upcoming matches.

Edo Queens Still in the Race

While the result favoured Rivers Angels, Edo Queens demonstrated resilience and attacking intent throughout the contest.

The NWFL Super Six remains highly competitive, and with three matches still left to play, the Benin club retains a realistic chance of fighting back into title contention.

Supporters at the stadium acknowledged the team’s effort after the final whistle, despite the disappointing outcome.