Chiamaka Nnadozie once again put up an impressive display between the sticks for Rivers Angels as they qualified for the final of NWPL Super 4.
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Nnadozie made a save in the penalty shootout as Rivers Angels defeated defending champions, Bayelsa Queens 4-2 after playing out a goalless draw in 90 minutes of regulation time.
Rivers Angels began the match with high intensity looking to hurt the Restoration girls early on but the champions soon came into the game matching the Port Harcourt based team player for player.
In the 30th minute, Anjor Mary had a perfect opportunity to put Bayelsa Queens in the lead but failed to make it count as her tame effort fell nicely for Nnadozie in goal. This was then followed by Evelyn Nwabuoku hitting the crossbar with a header as Rivers Angels found an opening.
The first half however ended goalless as both teams failed to find the back of the net.
In the second half it was more of the same thing in the first half with energy levels dropping even further but the moment of magic was when Nnadozie produced a big flying save to deny Bayelsa Queens in the closing stages.
After that, it remained goalless and it was time for penalties to decide the winner of the tie.
Anjor Mary of Bayelsa Queens went first and she saw her effort saved by Nnadozie. Amaechi Ojini then scored for Rivers Angels to pile all the pressure on Bayelsa Queens and captain Joy Jerry whose effort struck the woodwork with Nnadozie again having it covered as Rivers Angels converted their second to take a 2-0 lead.
Bayelsa Queens then scored their next two penalties hoping that Rivers Angels would lose at least one but they Port Harcourt based team went on to convert their next two penalties as they won 4-2 thanks to the golden gloves of Nnadozie.
Speaking to www.aclsports.com after the game on her penalty heroics time and time again Nnadozie said “It’s in-built.” “When it’s in you, it’s in you,” she added.
Rivers Angels will now face a very expressive and expansive team in Confluence Queens who dazzled the spectators at the Soccer Temple in the final of the NWPL Super 4.
