… Obaseki, First Lady, Alli congratulate team, plans grand reception
Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), the first time the club will win the title.
The Benin-based side battled to a 1-1 draw against Bayelsa Queens in their last NWFL Super Six playoff match, taking their total points tally to 10.
With Rivers Angels unable to defeat Heartland Queens, and the game ended 1-1 on the final day, Moses Aduku’s girls clinched their maiden title on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Edo Queens took the lead in the 29th minute following Emem Essien’s acrobatic strike.
But the former champions, Bayelsa Queens equalised in the 49th minute of the encounter no thanks to Zainab Olopade’s goal.
Edo Queens have now earned the right to represent Nigeria at the CAF Women’s Champions League.
On the road to the finals, Edo Queens demolished Confluence Queens 5-1 to begin the title race on a bright note before beating Heartland 3-1 and Nasarawa Amazons 1-0 to remain in contention for the cup.
Meanwhile, The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, and his wife Dr. Mrs. Betsey Obaseki have congratulated victorious Edo Queens for winning the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super 6 to emerge champions for the first time in Nigeria’s football history, and picking a ticket for the CAF Women Champions League.
Notably, the sports-loving Edo State Governor and First Lady who called the victorious Edo Queens immediately after the final match at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa expressed their joy and promised to accord the team a grand reception on their return from Yenagoa.
In a statement, the governor praised the team’s doggedness in holding Bayelsa Queens to a 1-1 draw at the NWFL Super Six Playoffs to win their first league title.
According to him, “I am elated to congratulate our darling girls, Edo Queens, on their outstanding performance in the NWFL Super Six play-offs where they emerged winners and cemented their place for continental action, which is truly where they belong.
“This feat is a reflection of the attention paid to sports development over the years, which include inclusive welfare packages and other initiatives that have lifted the profile of women’s football in the State.
“I congratulate the girls for their indefatigable spirit and commitment which have earned them this high honour. It is indeed a new dawn for women’s football in Edo State.”
The governor commended the players and the coaching crew for their dedication over time, noting that their efforts have paid off with their qualification to play on the continental level.
He assured that the government would continue to support the team to ensure that they put up a good showing as they progress to play continental football.
On his part, the elated Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yussuf Alli said this is happening for the first time in the history of Edo State.
“Edo Queens winning Nigeria Women’s Topflight League. We are proud of them. My joy is that the girls have reciprocated the Edo State Government’s kind gesture and the huge investment in the team and sports generally.
“At the reception the first lady organised for Edo Queens when they qualified for the Super 6, the girls promised they were going to work extra hard to win the cup for the Governor and his wife. Today it has come to reality,” Alli said
“The Governor and his wife are so happy and waiting to receive the victorious team,” Alli added.
