Rivers Angels head coach Tosan Blankson has praised his team’s discipline, hunger, and collective performance after their hard-fought 1–0 victory over a resilient Naija Ratels side in Match Week 2 of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL).
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Despite the slim scoreline, Blankson insisted that the match at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium showcased one of Rivers Angels’ most dominant attacking displays in recent weeks.
A frustrated yet satisfied Blankson noted that the visitors were spared an embarrassing scoreline thanks to the exceptional performance of Naija Ratels’ goalkeeper, Vincent Mercy, who pulled off multiple point-blank saves throughout the match.
According to the coach, the opportunities created by his team were enough to seal a much bigger victory.
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“We could have scored up to seven goals if all our chances were converted,” Blankson said.
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“But I’m pleased with the performance and the hunger the players showed from start to finish.”
The first half saw Rivers Angels dominate possession, with chances falling to Patience Otubo, Zainab Oduga, and Ifeoma Ikenokwalu, all kept out by Mercy’s reflexes.
Blankson’s Tactical Substitutions Spark Second-Half Breakthrough
At the start of the second half, Blankson made three attacking changes, a decision he said was aimed at adding fresh energy and forcing mistakes from the dogged Ratels defense.
The adjustments quickly changed the tempo, with substitute Ijeoma Onweagba testing the goalkeeper again in the 51st minute.
The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute when Sharon Onwere rose above the defense to head home Polinus Ifeoma’s well-delivered corner kick.
Full-time
Rivers Angels 1 – 0 Naija Ratels
Sharon Onwere goal seals the victory for us. https://t.co/yVhkSpPNLW…#TheJewelsOfRivers#RIVNAI#NWFL26
— Rivers Angels FC (@Rivers_Angels) December 3, 2025
Blankson credited the goal to the team’s persistence and understanding of set-piece instructions worked on in training.
“We practiced this routine. We knew we would get our moment from a set piece if we stayed patient. Sharon executed it perfectly,” he said.
The head coach expressed admiration for goalscorer Sharon Onwere, who was making her debut for Rivers Angels after joining from Heartland Queens.
Blankson described her as a disciplined player who quickly adapted to the team’s system.
“For a debutant to show that level of confidence and timing… it shows her readiness,” he noted. “She has a bright future here.”
