Okpebholo Rewards Edo Queens’ Continental Charge With N50m Over NWFL, WAFU-b Double Championship

by Idahosa Musa

Nigeria’s latest push for continental glory in women’s football received a major boost on Tuesday as Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, rewarded Edo Queens with N50 million following their NWFL-WAFU-B double and qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Okpebholo announced the reward while receiving the champions and their trophies at a reception at the Festival Hall, Government House, on Tuesday in Benin, with the team now set to represent Nigeria on the continental stage in South Africa later this year.

The Edo Queens secured their CAF ticket after overcoming Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies 4-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time to win the WAFU-B championship.

Hailing the feat as significant to Edo State and Nigeria, Okpebholo praised the players for their resilience and singled out the goalkeeper’s composure during the penalty shootout.

He also commended the coaching crew and officials for their contribution to the success.

“I must commend the players for their doggedness. I also want to thank the coaching crew and other officials. I want to reward the team with the sum of N50 million,” the governor said.

With the regional title and national league crown secured, attention now turns to the bigger African stage.

Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, said preparations for the CAF Women’s Champions League would begin immediately, promising the team the support needed to compete against Africa’s best clubs.

Enabulele described the double as a product of discipline, unity, grit and resilience, commending the players, coaches and management for raising the profile of women’s football in Nigeria.

He also said the state government’s financial commitment had been instrumental to Edo’s recent sporting achievements.

Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club and leader of the delegation to Burkina Faso, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, described Edo Queens as “warriors” capable of conquering Africa sooner than expected.