Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), Rivers State Administrator, on June 29, 2025, announced a ₦50 million reward for the Rivers Angels football club following their victory in the 2025 Women’s Federation Cup.
The team secured their eighth title with a 2-1 win over FC Robo Queens in a thrilling final at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, with goals from Blessing Okpe and Emem Essien. Speaking at a grand reception at Government House, Port Harcourt, Ibas hailed the team’s achievement as a beacon of unity in a state navigating political turmoil since the March 2025 state of emergency, triggered by a feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Ibas, appointed sole administrator after the emergency declaration, outlined plans to allocate the reward toward upgrading the team’s training facilities, establishing a youth academy for 500 aspiring female footballers, and funding scholarships for players’ families. The Angels’ victory, watched by 10,000 fans and broadcast to 5 million viewers, has galvanized Rivers State, which contributes 20% to Nigeria’s oil revenue.
The team’s success follows their 2024 President’s Cup win, reinforcing their dominance in Nigerian women’s football, which has a N1 billion market. Ibas, leveraging his naval background, emphasized discipline and teamwork, drawing parallels to his recent educational initiatives at Ignatius Ajuru University. Local leaders, including Port Harcourt Mayor Victor Ihunwo, plan to honor the team with a parade, projecting a 15% boost in sports tourism by 2026. The pledge has sparked calls for federal investment in women’s sports, with Nigeria’s 2 million female athletes seeking equal funding.