Sport
Edo Queens Awarded N100 Million for Winning WAFU B Champions League Qualifiers
The Edo Queens football team has been awarded N100 million for their victory in the 2024 WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
The announcement was made by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, during a grand reception held in Benin City to celebrate the team’s achievement.
Governor Obaseki expressed his pride in the team’s performance, describing the moment as part of a broader season of celebration for Edo State, which marked its 33rd anniversary.
He praised the players for their dedication, saying, “You have all done exceptionally well. This is truly our season of celebration. As we celebrate Edo at 33, you have given us the best present, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Reflecting on the state of women’s sports in Edo before his administration, Obaseki noted the lack of recognition and respect for female athletes in the past. “Before we came into power, Edo women’s contributions in sports were largely overlooked.
They were not given a chance. But thankfully, that has changed now,” he said. He credited his administration for understanding the importance of sports in youth development, highlighting the positive impact of the investments made over the last eight years.
Governor Obaseki congratulated the Edo Queens for their remarkable victory, encouraging them to aim even higher as they prepare to compete in the CAF Women’s Champions League. “You have made Edo proud, and you have made Nigeria proud.
I challenge you to go on and win the CAF Champions League,” he stated. While withholding details of future rewards, he assured the team that their efforts would continue to be recognized, announcing the immediate N100 million reward for their accomplishment.
Moses Aduku’s team earned the prestigious honor by defeating Beninoise club Ainonvi FC 3-0 in the final match, held at the Stade de la Paix on Sunday.
The victory secured the Edo Queens’ place in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League tournament, where they will represent Nigeria later in the year.
Obaseki emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting the youth through sports, acknowledging the contributions of the Edo Queens in putting the state on the map in African women’s football.
“The investment we’ve made in the past years is now paying off, and we’ll continue to encourage and support our youth to achieve even more,” he said.
Pep Guardiola has chosen Bernardo Silva as Manchester City’s new captain, handing the midfielder the armband without putting it to a team vote. Silva steps into the role following the exit of Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract with City recently expired. Guardiola also named Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland as the team’s new vice-captains for the upcoming season.
Silva’s current contract runs out next summer, meaning his time as captain could be short if no new deal is signed. Though he’s turned down multiple transfer offers in recent windows, interest in the Portuguese playmaker remains strong, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and former side Benfica still keen on him.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to face long-time rivals Ghana’s Black Princesses in a friendly match as part of their build-up to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Justine Madugu’s team also has a second friendly lined up against Portugal, which will be played on Monday, June 23.
The clash with Ghana will take place in Morocco, where the Black Princesses are already camped in Benslimane for their final round of preparations. Meanwhile, the Super Falcons will travel to Portugal later this week to begin their own final training phase ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria is in Group B, where they will take on Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. Ghana, on the other hand, will compete in Group C alongside defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.
Real Madrid might be without Kylian Mbappe for their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, as the forward is currently down with an illness. Mbappe missed training ahead of the match, and new manager Xabi Alonso says a final decision will be made on game day.
“Kylian felt a bit better this morning, but not well enough just yet,” Alonso said. “We’ll wait till tomorrow morning to make the call.” Madrid could also be missing key players Antonio Rudiger and Eduardo Camavinga.
“Rudiger gave everything this season. I’m not sure he’ll be in the squad, but he’s recovering fast and should be back first. Camavinga is getting better too, but he still needs some time,” Alonso added. Alonso is set to take charge of Madrid for the first time, but injuries and illness may leave him without some of his top stars.
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