Tenebe Fires Up Edo Queens for Ghana Battle, Targets WAFU-B Trophy

By Correspondent

Edo Queens have sent a strong warning to their West African rivals after securing a place in the final of the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament, with Edo State APC Chairman and Bendel Insurance chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, expressing confidence that the Nigerian champions will reclaim the trophy.

The Queens booked their place in the final with a commanding 5-1 victory over USFA of Burkina Faso, producing a dominant first-half display that effectively settled the contest.

Speaking after the emphatic victory, Tenebe said he was delighted with the team’s performance, insisting that the players had lived up to his call for a more determined and aggressive approach to the competition.

“I am very excited, and I know that the Queens will do this,” Tenebe said.

He recalled his earlier comment after Edo Queens were described as a “military team,” saying the players had responded by adopting a militant mentality on the pitch.

“The last time when they said this team is a military team, I said something. I said our team are going to approach this in a more militant manner, and that’s what they did today.

“We closed the game in the first half, and we are looking forward to meeting Ghana.”

Edo Queens are expected to face Ghana in the final, setting up a potentially explosive rematch after the Nigerians previously encountered the Ghanaian side earlier in the competition.

Tenebe attributed the outcome of that previous encounter partly to the playing surface, expressing confidence that the Queens would perform differently under familiar conditions in the final.

“Remember I said something. I said the pitch we played Ghana on was the problem we had that very day. This is the pitch we have been playing on; this is the pitch we played today, and I know we are going to soak Ghana at the end of the day,” he declared.

He added: “Definitely, we are taking the Cup to Nigeria and Edo State.”

Tenebe also explained his earlier assertion that he had become a source of motivation for the team, saying his physical presence at the tournament had further inspired the players.

According to him, his dual position as chairman of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress and chairman of Bendel Insurance had made his presence particularly significant to the players.

“The reason why I said I am the motivation to the team as a whole is because they also know I am the chairman of APC Edo State. This is a political era. I am supposed to be there, but I am here live and direct,” he said.

Tenebe said the players were determined to give their best not only to make the management and supporters proud but also to reward the efforts of Governor Monday Okpebholo, whom he said had been funding and supporting the team.

“Because of that, the girls will want to ensure that they do their best to satisfy us, to make us happy and the governor who is also funding the team,” he added.

With the final now beckoning, Tenebe delivered a confident message to Nigerians and Edo residents eagerly awaiting the outcome.

“Nigerians, Edo State, we are coming with the trophy on Sunday to Nigeria, Edo State,” he declared.