THE Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has rewarded Edo Queens with N100 million for emerging victorious in the WAFU Zone B qualifying tournament for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Edo Queens secured their first-ever CAF Women’s Champions League ticket after going all the way in the WAFU tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, defeating Benin Republic side Ainonvi 3-0 in Friday’s final.
The sports-loving Governor Obaseki made the announcement of the huge reward during a grand reception Edo State organised for the reigning Nigeria Women Football League champions at the Festival Hall in Government House in Benin City today.
Receiving the West African Zone B champions, Governor Obaseki showered encomiums on the entire team, including the supporters’ club.
“You have all done well. For me, this is our season of celebration. Tomorrow, Edo will be 33 years old. When I look at the present you have come to give me, I am so glad,” he said.
“Before we came into power, there was no respect for Edo women; nobody gave them the chance but thank God all that has changed now.
“Some past governments didn’t understand that sports is a vital aspect of youth development and thank God we recognise that. I am happy that the work and investment we have put in since the past eight years is showing now and we will continue to encourage our youth.
“I congratulate you girls. I encourage you to win the CAF Champions League. I will not tell you what I will do for you yet but for this you have done, you have made us proud and you have made Nigeria proud. So, I give you all N100m.”
Edo Queens, before emerging the 2024 WAFU B champions as the second Nigerian team to do so in history, had previously won the Sheroes Cup, Betsy Obaseki Cup and the NWFL Premiership titles.
They will be in Egypt for the fourth edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League later in the year.
Meanwhile,the Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli, and the head coach of the victorious Edo Queens, Moses Aduku, have heaped praises on the Edo State Governor and the First Lady Dr Betsey Obaseki for their support and investment in women’s football, which has been instrumental in the team’s success.
They ascribed the success of the team to Governor Obaseki’s prompt response and release of funds for preparations.
The Edo Sports Commission boss maintained that the commitment of the Edo State Government to developing women’s football and sports in general is what has led to the success of Edo Queens.
“Since I assumed office in Edo I have been winning. We’re reigning national champions and now West Africa champions. We played five games in Cote d’Ivoire, winning all with 14 goals and only conceded one,” Alli said.
“Our girls have really done well. We sincerely thank our Governor for the huge support he has given us in everything we have done. I made a huge mistake in applying for funds to take care of the girls bonuses but upon realising my mistake, I wrote to the Governor again, drawing his attention.
“Instead of a query, the Governor gave express approval and immediately we got the money we requested. What else can we say than to say thank you to our Governor for his understanding and support.”
Aduku said that the Governor’s interest and prompt release of funds gave he and his team more confidence while going into the West Africa battle.
“I was confident that we were going to achieve good results. I told my inner man that we are capable of winning the zonal ticket despite the fact that we were going there for the first time,” he said.
“We were not rated but God saw us through. We remain grateful to the Governor and I want to start preparation for the champions league proper as soon as I present this cup because early preparation is key. We want to assure our Governor of bringing another cup home.”
