Abia Angels head coach, Ann Agumanu-Chiejine has said her side are quite ready for the testy and tricky season’s opener against newcomers, Invincible Angels.
The Umuahia side will confront debutants from Makurdi in Wednesday’s Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) Group D matchday 1 clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The 2018/19 NWPL abridged season is due to commence on Wednesday at the various centres among the four groups.
Agumanu-Chiejine said though her side lost substantial number of players to competitors in the out gone season the rookies are damn ready to give the top-flight campaign the necessary push it deserves.
“Abia Angels are ready for the 2018/19 NWPL season as well as the starter against newcomers, Invincible Angels on Wednesday in Umuahia.
“However, worthy of note is the fact that we lost 19 key players to our rivals at the end of last season.
“We will be parading bunch of greenhorns and unknown players in the premier league though we are determined to make them known prior to the end of the season.
“I always believe that what make a coach worth his/her onion is ability to bring unknown players to limelight and stardom.
“We combed the length and breadth of the grassroots and villages to shop for rookies who will be debuting in the premier league for the first time.
“They are hungry for action and we are well primed to make them superstars at the end of the league campaign.
“Their first test is the clash against Invincible Angels and they have promised to start the campaign on a winning note,” said the former Nigerian shot stopper.
Agumanu-Chiejine insisted that her side will make amend this time around the side near miss of the Super 4 cut last season.
“Abia Angels narrowly missed the Super 4 spot in the out gone season, it’s still our target to play in the Super 4 this time around.
“I pray the players will play strictly to instruction throughout the season’s campaign to be able to top their group to earn the slot,” said the former Nigerian assistant coach.
Abia Angels will campaign for the prime position in Group D together with newcomers and matchday 1 opponents, Invincible Angels, Confluence Queens and Ibom Angels.
NWPL matchday 1 fixtures:
Rivers Angels Vs. FC Robo Queens
Osun Babes Vs. Delta Queens
Dreamstars Ladies Vs. Edo Queens
Heartland Queens Vs. Adamawa Queens
Bayelsa Queens Vs. Kaduna Queens
Sunshine Queens Vs. Nasarawa Amazons
Confluence Queen Vs. Ibom Angels
Abia Angels Vs. Invincible Angels
