Delta Queens first away Delta Queens first away match in the 2020/2021 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season ended with a disappointing 6-2 defeat to Rivers Angels at the UNIPORT Sports Complex.
The NWFL defending champions gave a clear message of their intentions to defend the title this season with a convincing win in the South-South derby.
Delta Queens headed into the game on the back of their 4-1 win at home against Dreamstars Ladies at Agbor.
While Rivers Angels eyed their first win of the season following their 1-1 draw in the opening game against Confluence Queens.
Coach David Ochei made a little tweak to the squad that defeated Dreamstars Ladies in Agbor handing Emeka Adaobi her first game of the season in goal.
Delta Queens player via for the ball with Rivers Angels player during their NWFL matchday 2 game at the UNIPORT Sport Complex Port Harcourt. The game ended 6-2 in favour of Rivers Angels. Photo: Africatopsport.com
Also, Abegbemile Rebecca was handed a starting berth in the first eleven.
On the other hand, coach Edwin Okon also made three changes to the squad that held Confluence Queens to 1-1 in Lokoja.
The South-South derby rivalry sparked into life as former Delta Queens player Oghenebrume Ikekhua broke the deadlock in the 18th minute.
Two minutes later she beautifully slotted home her second goal of the day which have Rivers Angels the edge.
The hosts soon settled well in the game and began to dictate the pace with
Delta Queens former winger, Ezenagu Maryann leading the charge.
Rivers who were still yearning for more goals despite going two ahead completed it 3-0 in the 22nd minute but this time it was an own goal by Michael Angela.
Odubanjo Dominance pulled one back for Delta Queens before the break as the first half ended 3-1.
The second half took a different twist as Delta Queens came out in force like wounded lioness.
Just three minutes of play, Ojinna Amarachi scored the second goal to reduce give her team the hope of a possible come back.
But the visitors could barely finished their celebration when Maryann scored against her former club to make it 4-2 in the 50th minute.
The goal seems to have dampened the visitors especially when they thought they could fought back and share the spoils.
Deborah Abiodun extended the lead to 5-2 in the 63rd minute in the run of play.
Substitute, Cecilia put an icing to the cake in the 88th minute as he pounced on loss ball from Angela to put the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Adaobi.
All efforts to reduce the deficit proved abortive as the hosts held tenaciously to their lead attacking until the final whistle.