Edo Governor Hails Players’ Resilience as Queens Defeat Ghanaian Side on Penalties to Clinch Major Regional Title
BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced a ₦50 million reward for Edo Queens and their officials following the team’s impressive triumph in the Nigeria Women’s Football League and the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League.
The governor announced the reward on Tuesday during the presentation of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League title and the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League trophy at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City.
Okpebholo praised the players for their resilience, determination and fighting spirit, particularly following their victory over Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies.
Edo Queens had played a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Ghanaian team after regulation time before going on to secure a 4-1 victory in the decisive penalty shootout.
The victory added another major trophy to the club’s successful season and further strengthened Edo Queens’ reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading women’s football teams.
Governor Okpebholo said the triumph was significant not only to the people of Edo State but also to Nigeria.
“For me, this cup matters to Edo people and it matters to the country,” the governor said.
He commended the players for their doggedness throughout the competition and praised the coaching crew and other officials for their contributions to the team’s success.
“I must commend the players for their doggedness. I also want to thank the coaching crew and other officials,” Okpebholo said before announcing the ₦50 million reward for the team.
The governor said he became confident that Edo Queens would emerge victorious during the penalty shootout after observing the composure and movements of the team’s goalkeeper.
According to him, the goalkeeper’s strategy and efforts to put pressure on the Ghanaian penalty takers gave him confidence that the Edo side would eventually prevail.
Okpebholo particularly praised the goalkeeper’s saves during the shootout, describing them as crucial to Edo Queens’ victory.
He also commended the Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, for televising the match live, saying the coverage allowed more Nigerians to watch and celebrate the team’s achievement.
The Chairman of the Edo Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, also praised Edo Queens for what he described as an exceptional achievement.
He said winning both the Nigeria Women’s Football League title and the WAFU-B championship in the same season demonstrated the team’s discipline, unity and determination.
“Our girls have truly done us proud. To win the Nigeria Women’s Football League and the WAFU-B championship in the same season is no small feat,” Enabulele said.
“It requires grit, unity, discipline, resilience and an unshakeable belief in oneself.”
He also praised the team’s management, coaches and technical crew for their efforts and sacrifices throughout the campaign.
According to Enabulele, the players and officials carried the hopes and aspirations of Edo people throughout the competition and deserved recognition for their achievement.
The Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Jarrett Tenebe, described the Edo Queens players as warriors and expressed confidence that the team could achieve even greater success on the African continent.
Tenebe said the motivation and support being provided to the team by the Edo State Government could inspire the players to conquer Africa sooner than expected.
He also linked sports development and youth engagement to the fight against insecurity, arguing that meaningful opportunities for young people could significantly reduce crime and criminality.
According to him, the Okpebholo administration’s interest in youth development and sports could play an important role in addressing social challenges facing the state.
The ₦50 million reward is expected to further boost the morale of the players and officials as Edo Queens prepare for future competitions.
The team’s latest success has also brought renewed attention to women’s football in Edo State, with their double triumph serving as a major moment of pride for the state.
With the Nigeria Women’s Football League title and the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League trophy now in their cabinet, Edo Queens have firmly announced themselves as one of the teams to watch in women’s football.
IBN News reports that the players’ latest victories have been widely celebrated across Edo State, with the ₦50 million reward underscoring the government’s recognition of their remarkable achievement.
