Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on Tuesday evening inspired players of Edo Queens Football Club ahead of the forthcoming West Africa Football Union (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions League play-offs in Burkina Faso, joining the Nigerian champions in training as part of efforts to boost the team’s morale.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor, who participated actively in the training session at the team’s closed camp.
Speaking after the training session, Idahosa lauded Edo Queens for emerging champions of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership following their victorious outing at the Super Six Championship in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The deputy governor urged them to replicate the same team spirit, resilient and hardworking that saw that win NWFL in the coming Africa women champions league.
He reaffirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to sports development, describing sports as a strategic tool for youth empowerment and social development.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that Governor Okpebholo would soon host the team at Government House to honour and reward them for bringing glory to Edo State and Nigeria.
“I am here today to appreciate and encourage you for making us proud by becoming Nigerian champions of the NWFL Premiership.
“I also want to assure you that all the promises made by the Edo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, remain intact.
“The Governor has returned from his trip abroad, and very soon he will invite you to Government House, where you will be appropriately rewarded and appreciated. On behalf of the Edo State Government, I thank you immensely for making us proud,” he stated.
The team captain, Deborah Odiagbe, expressed appreciation to the deputy governor for personally visiting the camp, describing the gesture as a major morale booster ahead of the regional championship.
“It is a great honour to have you here with us. Your presence means so much to the team.
“I vividly remember when Coach Moses Aduku and I visited your office, you told us that finishing third was not an option and that we must go and win the league.
“We went back, worked harder, planned well, and by the grace of God, we won the 2025/2026 league title,” she said.
The team captain said they were not going to the WAFU-B tournament to make up the number, but to win the converted trophy.
Edo Queens will represent Nigeria at the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Burkina Faso, with victory guaranteeing the team a place at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
