Seven-time NWFL Premiership champions Rivers Angels announced the addition of 14 new players to their squad for the upcoming 2024/2025 league campaign on Sunday.

Among the standout signings is Flamingos captain Taiwo Afolabi, who joined from Delta Queens, and highly-discussed goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, whose eye-catching appearance has made waves on social media.

Oloko, formerly of Adamawa Queens, has vowed to back the attention with stellar performances on the pitch.

Key Signings

Rivers Angels’ head coach Tosan Blankson, who also switched from Delta Queens, has brought several players from his former side, including:

Blessing Ifitezue
Chidera Okenwa
Nwachukwu Chisom
Anderline Mgbechi
Taiwo Afolabi
Aweda Titilayo
Other new additions include:

Taiwo Ajibade and Aganmuyi Taiwo (Sunshine Queens)
Anike Azeez (New Generation Club)
Saka Saidat (Osun Babes)
Yusuf Nana (Confluence Queens)
Fatima Oloko (Adamawa Queens)

Goalkeeper Fatima Oloko’s Journey

Oloko expressed her gratitude and excitement to join the Pride of Rivers, writing:

“It is finally official. Thank you Lord for your grace over my life #Rivers Angels.”

She further reflected on her passion for goalkeeping:

“I feel at peace doing it. I feel at home between the goalpost. Determination has been the key. I was once discouraged, but I stayed focused.”

Team Overview

The team retained 15 players from the previous season, blending experience with new talent.

Rivers Angels will aim to reclaim the title after finishing second in the 2023/2024 NWFL Premiership Super Six Playoffs, where Edo Queens clinched their first league title by a single point.

Season Opener

Rivers Angels will begin their campaign on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, hosting Ibom Angels at their home ground in Port Harcourt.

Intriguingly, former coach Edwin Okon will lead Ibom Angels in this opening encounter, making it a much-anticipated reunion.

The Port Harcourt-based side is poised to challenge for an eighth league crown, leveraging their mix of seasoned players and exciting new signings under the leadership of Coach Blankson.