Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has backed Edo Queens FC to make Edo State and Nigeria proud as the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) champions depart for Burkina Faso for the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, disclosed this on Wednesday while bidding farewell to the players and technical crew ahead of the continental campaign.
Enabulele commended the team for the hard work, discipline and determination that earned them the 2026 NWFL championship, urging the players to carry their winning mentality into the continental competition.
He also praised Governor Okpebholo for his administration’s sustained investment in female football and grassroots sports development, noting that the support had helped Edo Queens emerge as national champions and secure a place on the continental stage.
“We must commend our Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his massive investment in female football, particularly the Edo Queens. His commitment and support have contributed significantly to the team’s success and their emergence on the international stage,” Enabulele said.
According to him, Governor Okpebholo has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to excel in Burkina Faso and assured the players and officials of his administration’s full support.
The governor urged the players to approach every match with courage, unity, discipline and confidence, reminding them that they are representing both Edo State and Nigeria.
“Edo Queens, you have earned this opportunity through hard work, discipline and determination. As champions of Nigeria, you are going to Burkina Faso not only as ambassadors of Edo State, but as representatives of our great country,” Okpebholo said.
He urged the players to fight for every ball, believe in themselves and remain determined throughout the competition, stressing that the people of Edo State were behind them.
“Our target is victory and qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League,” he added.
Edo Queens have been drawn in Group B alongside ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire, Ampem Darkoa of Ghana and AS GNN of Niger.
The WAFU-B tournament is scheduled to begin on August 23, 2026, in Burkina Faso.
Governor Okpebholo also charged the players to remain focused, disciplined and united, noting that success at the continental level would inspire more young girls across Edo State to pursue their sporting dreams.
He wished the team a successful campaign and declared: “Go and conquer Burkina Faso. Go and make Edo proud. Go and come back victorious!”
Adaaa Edo Queens! 👑❤️💛
Up Edo! Up Edo Queens!
