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.
Lionel Messi says he’s heading into this year’s FIFA Club World Cup with a fresh perspective as he gears up to represent Inter Miami on the global stage. The Herons are set to begin their campaign at the Hard Rock Stadium against Egyptian side Al Ahly, in what will be the first-ever expanded 32-team edition of the tournament.
Messi, who has already won the Club World Cup three times with Barcelona, admitted that things feel different this time around. “It’s a special tournament and I’m excited to be part of it again,” he said. “But my mindset is different now compared to when I played it with other teams. Still, I feel energized and hopeful. I’m ready to compete against top teams and give my best.”
This will mark Messi’s fourth appearance at the Club World Cup, but his first with an MLS side, making it a milestone moment for both him and Inter Miami.
Galatasaray are reportedly prepared to make Victor Osimhen the highest-paid player in Turkish football history if he chooses to remain with the club. The Nigerian striker had a sensational 2024/2025 season on loan in Istanbul, scoring 37 goals and delivering eight assists in just 41 games. His efforts helped Galatasaray clinch both the Turkish Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup.
While Osimhen has yet to confirm where he’ll play next season, Galatasaray are eager to keep him. In the meantime, they’ve added German winger Leroy Sane to their squad on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Sane is expected to earn €12 million per season after tax, currently the highest salary in the Turkish league.
But Galatasaray are reportedly ready to go even further for Osimhen. The club is willing to offer him €15 million a year after tax—significantly more than what Sane will earn. Osimhen has already turned down a massive deal from Saudi side Al-Hilal, who were ready to pay him €40 million per year plus €5 million in bonuses, showing he’s weighing more than just money in his decision.
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, believes Ousmane Dembélé has done more than enough to earn this year’s Ballon d’Or. Dembélé has been in top form throughout the 2025 season, scoring 25 goals and playing a key part in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic trophy sweep. PSG ended the season with wins in Ligue 1, the Champions League, Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions.
In a chat with Le Figaro, Diallo said, “He might just be the favourite. Dembélé has had a remarkable season.” He added that it’s great to see two French stars—Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé—being serious contenders for the award, but made it clear Dembélé truly deserves the top prize.
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