The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission has declared that Edo State is currently leading the chart in sports development in Nigeria, following the impressive performances of Edo athletes and teams at national and international competitions.
The Chairman made the assertion while delivering a speech at the grand reception hosted by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in honour of Edo Queens, winners of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and WAFU-B championships.
Edo Queens clinched the NWFL title on June 14, 2026, in Port Harcourt after overcoming an early setback against Nasarawa Amazons to emerge champions of the Super Six competition.
The triumph secured the team’s qualification to represent Nigeria at the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifying tournament in Burkina Faso, where they again emerged champions.
“We saw, we believed, and we conquered. To God be the glory; the WAFU-B trophy is now here in Benin City,” the Chairman said.
He attributed the back-to-back success to the dedication of the players, technical crew and management, as well as sustained financial investment by the Edo State Government.
According to him, timely funding has played a critical role in the state’s sporting achievements.
“Money is the lifeblood of every serious enterprise, and sports is no exception. Without adequate and timely funding, even the best sporting programmes can remain mere plans on paper,” he said, while thanking Governor Okpebholo for his support.
Players Receive Special Commendation
The Chairman singled out several Edo Queens players for their outstanding performances during the NWFL Super Six and WAFU-B competitions.
Atune Doosuur was recognised for finishing as joint-highest scorer of the NWFL season with 14 goals and emerging as the WAFU-B tournament’s highest scorer with five goals.
Esther Chioma Moses was also praised after scoring seven goals during the Super Six and four goals in the WAFU-B tournament, earning her the nickname “Goal Machine.”
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi was recognised as the Most Valuable Player of the WAFU-B tournament, while Uroko Valentina was commended for her consistency throughout the competition.
The Chairman noted that Uroko scored the best goal of the WAFU-B tournament and was the only Edo Queens player to feature in all the team’s matches during both the league and continental qualifying campaign.
He said the achievements further demonstrated Edo State’s status as a powerhouse of women’s football.
Aduku, Boboye Commende
The Chairman also praised Edo Queens head coach Moses Aduku for his contribution to the team’s success.
He noted that Aduku’s performance earned him a call-up to the Nigeria U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, currently competing at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Following Aduku’s involvement with the Falconets, Bendel Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye was drafted in to lead Edo Queens during the WAFU-B tournament.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to Boboye for accepting the challenge and guiding the team to continental success.
Edo Dominates National Youth Teams
The Sports Commission Chairman further highlighted Edo State’s growing influence in national youth sports, revealing that six Edo players are currently part of the Falconets squad at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, while Coach Moses Aduku remains on the payroll of the Edo State Government.
He also disclosed that seven players from Edo State are members of Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team that has qualified for the World Cup, with an Edo-born player serving as captain.
According to him, preparations for the cricket team’s World Cup campaign are currently taking place at the Edo High Performance Centre.
“These achievements show that Edo State sports is now topping the chart when it comes to sports development in the country,” he said.
Tenebe Praised for Support
The Chairman also used the occasion to appreciate the Chairman of the ruling party in the state, Chief Jarrett Tenebe, for his support for Edo Queens.
He recalled how Tenebe travelled to Port Harcourt and spent four days with the team during the NWFL Super Six after the club suffered an opening-match defeat to Nasarawa Amazons.
He said Tenebe’s presence and encouragement helped motivate the team to recover and eventually win the league title.
The Chairman added that Tenebe also led the Edo State delegation to Burkina Faso for the WAFU-B tournament.
Describing the team’s double success as a product of grit, unity, discipline and resilience, he urged the players not to rest on their achievements.
He charged Edo Queens to immediately begin preparations for the CAF Women’s Champions League, with the ultimate objective of winning the continental title.
“You have crossed the first and second hurdles. But let me remind you: the journey is not over. There is still a bigger honour to bring home—that honour is the CAF Women’s Champions League trophy,” he said.
“Now, go one step further. Bring the CAF Champions League trophy home!”
The Chairman concluded by thanking Governor Okpebholo for honouring the champions and for his continued support for sports development in Edo State, before formally presenting the NWFL and WAFU-B champions to the Governor.