Pelican stars win season’s opener against Rivers

The kick off was delayed by about thirty minutes as home side, Rivers Angels could not get a venue for the match.

A club official told Nigeriasports.com that they could not get release on time for the Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium and to avoid being walked over by the away team had to settle for the Catholic Institute of West Africa pitch.

“I am so delighted I scored against Rivers Angels,” Faustina Ugwuadu told nigeriasports.com after the match.

“It is even more glorious that I came off the bench to score in the 37th minute.

Rivers Angels were disjointed through out the encounter, the only bright lights in the team being Eucharia Chukwu and Onyinye “Lion” Ohaduogha.

Rita Nwadike was out of sorts and had to be taken off before half time.

For Pelican Stars, the absence of Africa Footballer of the
Year, Pepetua Nkwocha who left for a stint in China was hardly felt as they had the full complement of other National team players- Oge Onyinanya, Yinka Kudaisi, Christy George, Cele Onyeka, Augusta Egwim and Effioanwan Ekpo.

“It’s a good start for my team and I’m sure by the time the season gets older, we will play better,” Coach Ntiero Effiom told nigeriasports.com after the match.

“I must also commend Rivers Angels for a good game. I heard they had lost all their players and did not have a good team but what I saw on the day is good enough.”

Rivers Angels

Lucky Atu, Nkechi Okoro, Ngozi Ebere/ Joke Atubele, Onyinye Ohaduogha, Regina Akaronye, Maureen Ogu, Abiodun Obende, Rita NWadike, Eucharia Chukwu, Nkechi Amadi

Pelican stars

Oge Onyinanya-NWaozuzu, Augusta Egwim, Cele Onyeka, Effioanwan Ekpo, Christy George, Yinka Kudaisi, Gloria Keshi/ Faustina Ugwuadu,Bella Francois, Rita Chikwelu, Theresa Gomina

Other opening day results

Inneh Queens 1-0 Solid Babes
Handsome Daughters 2-1 Ebonyi Queens
Sunshine Queens 1-0 Oyinlola Babes