Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, has rewarded Edo Queens with N50 million for their triumph at the recently concluded CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifiers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The governor received the continental hopefuls at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City, where he showered encomiums on the players, technical crew and officials for making Edo State and Nigeria proud with their impressive campaign.
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Addressing the team, Mr Okpebholo described the players’ triumph as the reward for their determination and fighting spirit, likening their campaign in Burkina Faso to a war that they went out to conquer.
“I want to commend you girls for your victorious outing in Burkina Faso. You have made Edo State and Nigeria proud. I congratulate us all.
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“The reason why you went to war is for you to gain victory, and you went to war and conquered. That is why we are all celebrating you today.”
The governor also reflected on Edo Queens’ group-stage defeat to Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies, insisting that the setback ultimately served as a blessing in disguise.
Edo Queens had narrowly suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ampem Darkoa in the group stage before getting another opportunity to face the Ghanaian champions in the final.
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According to Mr Okpebholo, the group stage defeat could have worked against Edo Queens had it come in the final.
“When you played Ghana first, your chairman refused to tell you girls that I said you will beat Ghana again.
“If you had beaten Ghana first, they would have defeated you at the final. Your first defeat to Ghana was a blessing in disguise.”
The governor subsequently announced a N50 million reward for the team in recognition of their achievement.
“For making Edo State proud, I’m rewarding you people with the sum of Fifty Million Naira (N50 million).
“Thank you all.”
Edo Queens secured the WAFU-B title in dramatic fashion after battling Ampem Darkoa Ladies to a 2-2 draw in the final before winning 4-1 on penalties in Ouagadougou.
Ampem Darkoa took an early lead through Beline Nyarkoh in the second minute, but Edo Queens responded almost immediately as Anastasia Doosuur Atume levelled two minutes later.
Nyarkoh restored the Ghanaian side’s advantage in the 74th minute, but Oluebube Umejiaku produced a late equaliser in the 94th minute to force the final into a penalty shootout.
Edo Queens held their nerve from the spot to win 4-1 and lift the WAFU-B trophy, completing a remarkable campaign after also defeating USFA 5-1 in the semi-finals.
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The victory also secured Edo Queens’ place at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals in South Africa later in the year, where they will represent the WAFU-B region.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, commended Governor Okpebholo for his support towards the team, stressing that the success recorded by Edo Queens would not have been possible without the governor’s backing.
Mr Enabulele also emphasised the need for immediate preparations for the CAF Women’s Champions League proper, with the regional champions now set to turn their attention to the bigger continental stage.
He further praised the APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, for his support and commitment to the team throughout their campaign.
The Edo Queens players, in turn, expressed their appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for the financial reward and his continued support, describing the gesture as a major boost following their historic triumph in Burkina Faso.
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