Sharon Onwere’s Debut Goal Seals Hard-Fought Win For Rivers Angels
By Saheed Afolabi
A 55th-minute header from debutant Sharon Onwere was enough to separate Rivers Angels from a determined Naija Ratels side, as the Jewels of Rivers claimed a 1-0 victory in their Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership Matchweek 2 clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The home side dominated possession and created a string of clear-cut chances, only to be repeatedly frustrated by an inspired performance from Naija Ratels goalkeeper Vincent Mercy. The shot-stopper was the visitors’ standout player, producing outstanding saves to keep the scoreline level.
Rivers Angels threatened as early as the first minute when Patience Otubo forced a smart stop from Vincent. The pattern continued throughout the opening half, with Zainab Oduga (32’) and Ifeoma Ikenokwalu (44’) both denied by the impressive Mercy as the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
Determined to break the deadlock, coach Tosan Blankson threw on three attacking substitutes at half-time. The changes almost paid immediate dividends, but Vincent Mercy was again equal to Ijeoma Onweagba’s effort in the 51st minute.
The breakthrough finally arrived four minutes later. Polinus Ifeoma whipped in a dangerous corner, and new signing Sharon Onwere rose highest to power a header past the despairing Mercy and send the home crowd into raptures.
Speaking afterwards, coach Blankson admitted his side should have won by a bigger margin. “We created enough chances to score six or seven goals today,” he said. “But I’m proud of the players’ effort and especially happy for Sharon on her debut.”
The match-winner, former Heartland Queens defender Sharon Onwere, could barely contain her joy. “Scoring on my first appearance for Rivers Angels is a dream come true,” she beamed. “I just wanted to prove I belong here, and I’m delighted the goal helped the team win.”
The narrow victory keeps Rivers Angels’ strong start to the season on track, while Naija Ratels will take plenty of positives from a resilient defensive display despite returning home empty-handed.
