Okpebholo Rewards Victorious Edo Queens With N50m

By Staff Reporter

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has rewarded the victorious Edo Queens with N50 million following their historic triumph in the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League.

Okpebholo announced the reward on Tuesday during a reception at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, where the state celebrated the team’s victories in the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League.

Edo Queens defeated Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies 4-1 on penalties after the final ended 2-2 at regulation time, securing the regional crown and a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

The governor commended the players for their resilience, determination and fighting spirit, describing the victory as a significant achievement for Edo State and Nigeria.

Okpebholo said he became confident that Edo Queens would prevail during the penalty shootout after observing the composure and tactical approach of the team’s goalkeeper.

He particularly praised the goalkeeper’s movements and attempts to distract the Ghanaian penalty takers, as well as the crucial saves that ultimately secured the championship.

“For me, this cup matters to Edo people and it matters to the country.

“I must commend the players for their doggedness. I also want to thank the coaching crew and other officials.

“I want to reward the team with the sum of N50 million,” the governor said.

Okpebholo also commended the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) for televising the final live, saying the broadcast enabled Nigerians to witness and celebrate the team’s achievement.

Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Chief Jarrett Tenebe, who spoke after the governor, described the victorious Edo Queens as “warriors”, saying their latest achievement had demonstrated that Edo was capable of producing a team that could compete successfully on the African stage.

Tenebe said the governor’s decision to reward the team and his continued support for sports development had provided the players with the confidence and motivation required to aim higher.

He expressed optimism that Edo Queens could go beyond their WAFU-B success and establish themselves as a major force in African women’s football.

According to Tenebe, the team’s performance was evidence that sustained investment in sports, coupled with strong government backing, could produce outstanding results.

He said the players had not only won trophies but had also become role models for young people across Edo State.

Tenebe further linked the administration’s investment in sports and youth development to its broader effort to address insecurity, arguing that keeping young people meaningfully engaged would help prevent them from being drawn into crime and other anti-social activities.

He maintained that meaningful youth engagement could solve about 85 per cent of security challenges in the state, stressing that sports could serve as a powerful tool for discovering talent, creating opportunities and keeping young people positively occupied.

The Bendel Insurance chairman said the governor deserved commendation for recognising the importance of youth development and for providing the support that had helped Edo Queens achieve success on both the domestic and regional fronts.

His comments reinforced the wider message of the celebration: that the success of Edo Queens was not merely about winning trophies but also about using sports as an instrument of youth empowerment, social development and the projection of Edo State.

Earlier, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, described the team’s double success as a remarkable achievement, noting that winning the NWFL title and WAFU-B championship in the same season required exceptional 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.

“It requires grit, unity, discipline, resilience and an unshakeable belief in oneself,” Enabulele said.

He commended the new management of Edo Queens for sustaining the team’s success while raising its competitive standards.

Enabulele also praised the coaches, technical crew and management for their sacrifices, saying they carried the hopes and aspirations of Edo people throughout the competition.

The latest success has further raised expectations around Edo Queens as the team prepares to represent Nigeria on the continental stage in the CAF Women’s Champions League.