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.
Footballer Lamine Yamal speaks on the Ballon d’Or award and shares how he will still be happy if his teammate, Pau Cubarsí, gets the award.
“Last year, for me, Cubarsí was the best young player in the world. Either the Kopa award or the Ballon d’Or should go to him. There’s no difference between us.
“When I won it, I told him that he would be next. If he doesn’t win it for whatever reason, I will give it to him.”
Popular footballer Cristiano Ronaldo speaks on retirement and shares how he actually thought of retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup.
“I thought about retiring from international football after the World Cup, but I spoke to the president, coach, and I am still here. I am an asset, I can help.”
He adds, “The young kids love me because they see me as an example, and that, for me, is the most important thing. I will continue to do that even when I retire after 10 years.”
Footballer Kylian Mbappé shares that he actually came close to signing with Liverpool.
“I was close to Liverpool. My mum was a big fan of Jurgen Klopp, and the favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there,” Mbappé told The Athletic.
“I didn’t listen because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn’t want to leave my country before I was someone. But yes, my mum was always saying, ‘Liverpool — you’re going to be there, playing at Anfield, it’s going to be insane for you.’ I was like, ‘OK!’
“All the time we were talking. ‘What do you think, Mum?’ She’d say, ‘For me, you have to go to Liverpool.’ I said, ‘OK, OK, OK!’ because Jurgen Klopp was an amazing manager. I met him and had a wonderful relationship with him. I had big respect for him.”
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