… as seven teams battle for slot in Zone B
Edo Queens Football Club of Benin, Nigeria’s flag bearer to the fourth edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B Inter-Clubs play-off, are looking fierce for the regional showpiece with high hope of setting a new record in the continent today, Sunday, August 11, as they file out against AS Garde Nationale FC of Niger in Cote d’Ivoire.
The continental fiesta fixtures seven club sides jostling for glory in Zone B’s qualifiers.
Edo Queens FC who are having their first dose of the continental slot since its inception four years ago, will have to prove to their first West African opponent who are tipped by women football pundits in the continent as highly experienced and muscular that they have all the requisite to make Edo State and Nigeria proud.
Despite beefing up the team with some quality players from various Nigeria Women League club sides, Edo Queens would have to do extra work to be able to compete favourably with other counties like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and others.
The explosive cracker will take place at Stadium Bouake, while kickoff time for the match is 18:00 hours which is 6 pm local time.
As the Red- hot ladies from Nigeria target laurels in the championship, it is also important to say that Edo Queens will be missing the likes of Comfort Folorunsho, and Sunday Blessing who have been exceptionally good as defence marshall in the team’s lineup. Also, the mercurial midfielder Chioma Olise and the sensational winger Goodness Osigwe would be missing in action due to national assignment.
The players have promised to showcase their potential by making sure Edo Queens earn a ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League proper which comes up later in Cairo Egypt.
Two matches will be played at Stadium Bouake today, first game will be between Hasaacas Ladies FC of Ghana the most dreaded team in the group, and Ominisports Etincelle FC of Burkina Faso, while the second match of the day is between As Garde Nationale of Niger and Edo Queens FC of Nigeria.
The Godwin Obaseki girls have all it takes to fly above all other opponents because, from the beginning of the NWFL 2023/24 premiership season, Edo Queens are regarded as the best-motivated women’s club side in the annals of the Nigeria Women Football League NWFL.
Despite their first appearance on the continental scene, their teeming fans across the continent expect nothing less than the trophy as a parting gift for the soon-to-go Governor of the State.
Back home in Nigeria and Benin City, we are looking forward to seeing the team make a historic achievement by flying the Green and White flag within and outside the Stadium signifying victories in virtually all games played by them in this regional showdown.
Each of the seven teams has three matches to play. Any country fortunate to win two straight games will automatically qualify for the next stage to determine who wears the big crown among the participating countries.
For Edo Queens FC, it is a task that must be accomplished hence their hotel camp in Yamoussoukro Cote d’Ivoire is bobbling with action, enthusiasm, and high hope.
