Edo Queens will attempt to tighten the race for top spot in the Nigeria Women Football League when they face Pacesetters Queens on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

The NWFL Matchday Seven fixture is scheduled for a 4pm kick-off. It comes at a crucial stage of the season for the Benin-based side, who remain one of the strongest teams in Group A.

Edo Queens Enter Clash in Strong Form

Confidence is high inside the Edo Queens camp after last week’s convincing 3-0 away victory against Naija Ratels in Abuja. The result extended the club’s impressive start to the 2025/2026 campaign.

The former WAFU-B champions currently occupy second place in Group A with 12 points. They sit three points behind league leaders Bayelsa Queens.

According to club officials, the players see Wednesday’s encounter as another must-win fixture in their push for the title.

Their home record also gives supporters reason for optimism. Edo Queens are yet to lose at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium this season.

Pacesetters Queens Face Difficult Test

For Pacesetters Queens, the trip to Benin represents one of their biggest challenges of the campaign.

The visitors will face a side known for aggressive attacking football and disciplined defending. Edo Queens have also developed a reputation for controlling matches both home and away.

Analysts following the NWFL believe the fixture could reveal how prepared Pacesetters Queens are against top-level opposition.

Women’s football in Nigeria has grown steadily in recent years. Clubs such as Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens have helped improve the profile of the domestic league through strong performances in national and regional competitions.

Moses Aduku Demands Full Concentration

Edo Queens manager Moses Aduku said his players remain focused despite their recent success.

Speaking after the victory over Naija Ratels, Aduku praised his squad’s consistency and determination.

According to him, the team’s confidence is coming from its performances on the pitch and the momentum built since the start of the season.

The coach also warned against underestimating any opponent in the league.

Aduku said modern football leaves little room for complacency and stressed that his side would continue taking matches one at a time.

NWFL Title Race Gathering Momentum

The contest in Benin could have implications for the wider title race in Group A.

A victory for Edo Queens would keep pressure on Bayelsa Queens and strengthen the club’s ambitions of finishing top of the table.

For the visitors, however, a positive result could reshape expectations for the rest of their season.

Supporters are expected to turn out in large numbers as Edo Queens continue their pursuit of league glory.

Key Takeaways

• Edo Queens host Pacesetters Queens in NWFL Matchday Seven.
• The match will take place at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
• Edo Queens are unbeaten at home this season.
• The Benin side are second in Group A with 12 points.
• Coach Moses Aduku has urged players to remain focused.

Wednesday’s fixture is shaping into another important moment in the NWFL season. Edo Queens enter the match with momentum, confidence and a strong home record.

Pacesetters Queens, meanwhile, face the difficult task of stopping one of the league’s most consistent teams. The result could influence the direction of the title race in Group A.

A triumph that lifts Edo football to continental spotlight

A wave of celebration swept through Benin City on Monday as Edo State marked a defining moment in its sporting history. The spotlight fell on the women of Edo Queens after their commanding success in West Africa.

At a reception held inside the Festival Hall, Government House, Governor Godwin Obaseki announced a ₦100 million cash reward for the team.

The gesture followed their dominant run at the 2024 WAFU-B Women's Champions League qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire.

The champions secured a 3–0 victory over Ainonvi FC of Benin Republic in the final in Abidjan.

That win sealed their place in the CAF inter-club competition later this year.

Edo Queens WAFU-B Champions League win marks historic run

The Edo side did not just win the title. They controlled the tournament from start to finish.

They played five matches. They won all five.
They scored 14 goals. They conceded only once.

Their only defensive lapse came in a 2–1 win over Inter D’Abidjan.

The performance adds to an already impressive domestic record.
The team previously won the Sheroes Cup, Betsy Obaseki Cup, and the NWFL Premiership title.

This makes them one of Nigeria’s most consistent women’s teams in recent years.

Obaseki praises progress and promises continued support

Governor Obaseki described the victory as part of a wider transformation in Edo sports.

He said the success reflects years of investment in youth and women’s football.

“Before now, there was little recognition for Edo women in sports,” he said. “That has changed.”

He linked the achievement to sustained funding and policy support over the past eight years.

He also congratulated the players and encouraged them to target continental glory in the upcoming CAF competition.

“I will not say what comes next in rewards,” he added. “But you have made Edo and Nigeria proud.”

The governor’s remarks were delivered during a reception marking Edo State’s anniversary celebrations.

Coach Aduku credits funding and preparation

Head coach Moses Aduku praised government support, especially the swift release of funds before the tournament.

He said financial backing boosted team morale and preparation.

“We went in as underdogs,” he said. “But belief and support carried us through.”

Aduku added that the team’s early preparation for the CAF Women’s Champions League is already underway.

He described the next stage as tougher but achievable with the right preparation.

“We want to bring another trophy home,” he said.

Broader context: rise of women’s club football in Nigeria

Edo Queens’ success comes amid growing investment in women’s football across Nigeria.

State-backed clubs have begun to challenge traditional dominance in the NWFL.

The trend reflects wider continental changes, where women’s club competitions are gaining visibility and funding.

Edo’s model is now being closely watched as a possible blueprint for development.

what comes next for Edo Queens

The ₦100 million reward signals both recognition and expectation.

Edo Queens now shift focus to continental competition in Egypt.

Their performance in West Africa has raised expectations at home and abroad.

Consistency, preparation, and squad depth will determine how far they go next.

Edo Queens WAFU B Champions: Commanding Win in Bouaké

West African women’s football has a new statement side.

Edo Queens FC sealed the WAFU B title with authority, defeating Aïnonvi FC of Benin Republic 3-0 in the final.

The match took place at the Stade de la Paix de Bouaké in Côte d’Ivoire.

From the opening whistle, Edo Queens controlled the tempo. Their pressing was sharp. Their passing was precise.

According to match officials’ reports, the Nigerian side never lost control of the contest.

The result confirms them as Edo Queens FC and WAFU B champions.

Edo Queens WAFU B Champions: A Statement of Intent

This victory was more than a trophy win.

It also secured qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League final stage.

That competition brings together the strongest women’s clubs across Africa.

Edo Queens will now represent West Africa on the continental stage.

Football analysts note the consistency of their performances throughout the qualifiers. Their defensive structure remained solid. Their attack was clinical when it mattered.

Edo Queens WAFU B Champions: How the Final Was Won

The final followed a clear pattern.

Edo Queens dictated possession early. Aïnonvi FC struggled to break their rhythm.

By halftime, the Nigerian champions had already established control.

In the second half, they pushed further forward and sealed the result with a third goal.

No late pressure shifted the balance.

The game closed with Edo Queens in full command.

Background: Rising Force in West African Women’s Football

WAFU B competitions have become a key pathway to continental football.

They often reveal emerging teams from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin Republic.

Edo Queens’ rise reflects growing investment in women’s football in Nigeria.

It also signals a shift in regional dominance, with Nigerian clubs maintaining strong performances in recent editions.

What Happens Next

Edo Queens now prepare for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.

Their focus will shift to squad depth, fitness, and tactical discipline.

The challenge ahead is significantly tougher, with North and North African champions expected in the mix.

But confidence is high inside the camp after this dominant run.

Edo Queens’ WAFU B triumph is both a regional victory and a continental warning.

They have shown structure, discipline, and ambition.

The next stage will test whether they can translate West African dominance into African success.

Nigeria’s Edo Queens maintain perfect run to set up Inter D’Abidjan clash

Key Takeaways

• Edo Queens topped Group B with 9 points and no goals conceded
• They scored 10 goals across the group stage
• Semi-final opponent: Inter D’Abidjan on Tuesday
• Inter qualified after a 4–3 comeback win over AS Kozah
• Hasaacas Ladies exited despite a 6–1 victory

Momentum continues to build behind Nigeria’s Edo Queens FC, who have stormed into the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifiers in Abidjan without conceding a single goal.

Their latest statement came on Saturday evening in Côte d’Ivoire, where they edged Burkina Faso’s Omnisports Etincelle 1–0 to finish top of Group B with nine points from three matches.

The result confirms a high-stakes semi-final meeting with host side Inter D’Abidjan on Tuesday.

Dominance without compromise

Edo Queens have been one of the standout sides of the tournament so far. They completed the group stage with a perfect defensive record and an impressive attacking return.

Across three matches, they scored 10 goals and conceded none. That balance has underlined their status as one of the strongest contenders for qualification to the continental tournament proper.

Their campaign opened with a 5–0 win over AS Garde National of Niger. That was followed by a controlled 3–0 victory over Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies.

Each performance has reinforced their discipline, structure, and physical edge.

Etincelle edged in tight contest

The decisive clash with Omnisports Etincelle was more restrained. Edo Queens did enough to secure victory, but the game remained competitive throughout.

Etincelle, however, could not break through a disciplined Nigerian backline. The defeat ended their hopes of topping the group.

Hasaacas miss out despite heavy win

Elsewhere in the group, Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies delivered the biggest win of the round, beating AS Garde National 6–1.

Fatoumata Tamboura opened the scoring after 20 minutes. Grace Animah and Comfort Owusu added further goals before the break.

AS Garde briefly responded, but Hasaacas regained control in the second half. Owusu added her second goal, while late strikes from Animah and Abigail Sakyiwaa completed the scoreline.

Despite the emphatic result, Hasaacas finished level on points with Etincelle. Goal difference ultimately worked against them, ending their qualification hopes.

Inter D’Abidjan stage dramatic comeback

In Group A, Inter D’Abidjan produced one of the tournament’s most remarkable turnarounds. They recovered from 3–0 down at half-time to defeat Togo’s AS Kozah 4–3.

AS Kozah had looked in full control after goals from Solim Kadanga, Tatiana Kayaba, and Kpandjapou Gbati.

But Inter returned with renewed intensity after the break. Esperance Cousso Agbo led the fightback with a hat-trick. Melissa Sandrine Behinan completed the comeback with a decisive fourth goal.

Despite the defeat, AS Kozah’s Ijeoma Anagha was named Player of the Match for her first-half influence.

Inter finished second in Group A behind Benin’s Ainonvi FC.

What the semi-final means

Tuesday’s clash between Edo Queens and Inter D’Abidjan now shapes as a defining moment in the qualifiers. The winner moves a step closer to the CAF Women’s Champions League proper later this year.

Edo Queens will enter as group leaders with defensive confidence. Inter arrive with attacking momentum and home support.

Edo Queens FC 3-0 Hasaacas Ladies: Second-half surge seals semi-final place

Key Takeaways

• Edo Queens dominated the second half after a 0–0 first period.
• Emem Essien scored twice, including a key opener.
• Captain Suliat Abideen sealed a 3–0 win.
• The result confirms semi-final qualification early.
• Focus now shifts to the final group match.

Momentum shifted sharply after the break as Edo Queens FC overpowered Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies with a decisive 3–0 win in the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU B Qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire.

The match remained tightly balanced in the first half. Neither side found a breakthrough. But Edo Queens returned with greater urgency and control.

Essien sparks the turnaround

The deadlock broke in the 57th minute. Emem Essien struck first after a well-delivered assist from Folashade Ijamilusi. The finish lifted the Nigerian side’s intensity.

Essien was again central to the action ten minutes later. She combined with Chioma Moses Esther to double the lead in the 67th minute. The coordination unsettled the Ghanaian defence.

Captain Abideen seals authority

Skipper Suliat Abideen added the final touch. Her powerful strike completed a dominant second-half display. The goal confirmed a 3–0 result and sealed Edo Queens’ passage to the semi-finals.

According to match reports from the tournament organisers, the win guarantees progression even with one Group B fixture still to play.

WAFU B qualifiers context

The WAFU B qualifiers serve as a gateway to continental glory. Teams compete for limited spots in the CAF Women’s Champions League. Every result carries significant weight.

Edo Queens have now strengthened their status as one of the tournament’s most consistent sides. Their defensive shape and quick transitions stood out throughout the match.

What next for Edo Queens FC

Attention now turns to the final group-stage match. Edo Queens will aim to maintain rhythm and finish top of their group. Confidence remains high within the squad.

A deeper run in the competition is now firmly within reach. Consistency will be key in the knockout rounds ahead.

Nigerian champions Edo Queens set for regional test

Fresh from securing their maiden Nigeria Women Football League title, Edo Queens will head to Côte d’Ivoire in August with hopes of reaching the continent’s biggest women’s club competition.

Tournament organisers confirmed on Wednesday that the 2024 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers will take place in Abidjan from 10 to 23 August. The competition will determine which club earns the region’s lone ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.

The tournament brings together league champions from seven West African countries — Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger Republic, Nigeria and Togo.

Edo Queens eye historic CAF Women’s Champions League place

For Edo Queens, the trip represents another major milestone in a season already filled with breakthroughs.

The Benin City side sealed their first-ever NWFL Premiership crown in Yenagoa after finishing top of the Super Six standings in dramatic fashion last month. Their triumph earned them the right to represent Nigeria at the regional qualifiers.

The CAF Women’s Champions League, launched in 2021 by Confederation of African Football, has quickly become the premier club competition in women’s football across Africa. Nigerian clubs have consistently been among the strongest contenders in the WAFU-B qualifying series.

Nigeria-Ghana rivalry dominates WAFU-B qualifiers

The regional competition has largely been shaped by a fierce football rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.

Each of the last three finals has featured clubs from both countries. Ghanaian teams, however, have edged the rivalry with two title victories.

In the inaugural 2021 edition, Nigeria’s Rivers Angels reached the final but were defeated by Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies.

A year later, Bayelsa Queens restored Nigerian pride with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ampem Darkoa in Côte d’Ivoire.

But Ghana regained the upper hand in 2023 when Ampem Darkoa narrowly defeated Nigeria’s Delta Queens 1-0 in Benin City.

Côte d’Ivoire returns as host nation

Côte d’Ivoire has become a familiar venue for the competition. The country previously hosted the 2021 and 2022 editions before Nigeria staged the tournament in 2023.

Officials believe Abidjan’s growing reputation for organising regional football events influenced the decision to return the qualifiers to the Ivorian capital this year.

The tournament is expected to attract scouts, football administrators and supporters from across West Africa as women’s football continues to gain momentum in the region.

What Edo Queens must overcome

Edo Queens will face strong opposition, particularly from Ghanaian representatives who have dominated recent editions.

The Nigerian side must also manage the pressure that comes with representing the country after a memorable domestic campaign.

Football analysts say squad depth, tactical discipline and experience in high-pressure matches could determine who secures the only available CAF Women’s Champions League slot.

Conclusion

Edo Queens now stand on the brink of another defining moment in their rise within African women’s football.

After conquering the domestic league, the challenge shifts to the regional stage in Abidjan, where only one club will progress to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals. For Nigeria, the tournament also offers a chance to reclaim dominance from Ghana after recent disappointments.

Key Takeaways

• Edo Queens lost 2-1 to Rivers Angels in Yenagoa.
• Emem Essien scored her third goal of the NWFL Super Six.
• Defensive mistakes proved costly for the Benin side.
• Coach Moses Aduku says the team remains confident.
• Edo Queens now prepare for a crucial clash against Heartland Queens.

Edo Queens vs Rivers Angels Ends in Narrow Defeat

Edo Queens suffered a hard-fought 2-1 defeat against Rivers Angels in a fiercely contested Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

Despite the loss, Edo Queens produced an energetic display that earned applause from supporters who watched the dramatic contest unfold on a rain-soaked pitch.

The defeat leaves the Benin-based side with three points from two matches as attention now shifts to their next fixture against Heartland Queens.

Early Errors Cost Edo Queens

Rivers Angels capitalised on defensive lapses to take control early in the game.

The Port Harcourt club opened scoring in the ninth minute after Edo Queens goalkeeper Ijeoma Ozoma struggled with the slippery conditions caused by earlier rainfall. The error handed Rivers Angels an early advantage.

Things worsened for Edo Queens in the 28th minute when a defensive mix-up resulted in an own goal, extending Rivers Angels’ lead to 2-0.

Although trailing by two goals, Edo Queens continued to push forward aggressively rather than retreat into a defensive setup.

Emem Essien Shines Again

Forward Emem Essien once again emerged as Edo Queens’ standout performer.

The striker reduced the deficit in the 39th minute with a powerful long-range effort that reportedly caught Rivers Angels goalkeeper Ademola Morufa off guard. The goal marked Essien’s third strike of the ongoing NWFL Super Six tournament.

Edo Queens Push for Equaliser

The second half delivered end-to-end football as both teams searched for more goals.

Edo Queens captain Abideen Suliyat dictated play in midfield, while Osigwe Goodness consistently threatened the Rivers Angels defence with penetrating passes and attacking movement.

Essien appeared to have equalised at one point with a well-placed header, but the assistant referee ruled the effort offside.

Another golden opportunity arrived when Osigwe delivered a precise pass into the penalty area for Essien, but the forward failed to convert from close range.

Late in the game, Chioma Olise struck a powerful free-kick that crashed against the woodwork, denying Edo Queens what could have been a dramatic equaliser.

Coach Aduku Remains Optimistic

Speaking after the match, Edo Queens head coach Moses Aduku insisted his side remains firmly in contention despite the setback.

According to Aduku, the team will review mistakes made during the encounter, particularly in the goalkeeping department, before their remaining fixtures.

The coach also maintained that Edo Queens are not intimidated by any opponent in the competition and remain determined to secure victories in their upcoming matches.

Edo Queens Still in the Race

While the result favoured Rivers Angels, Edo Queens demonstrated resilience and attacking intent throughout the contest.

The NWFL Super Six remains highly competitive, and with three matches still left to play, the Benin club retains a realistic chance of fighting back into title contention.

Supporters at the stadium acknowledged the team’s effort after the final whistle, despite the disappointing outcome.

Key Takeaways

• Edo Queens defeated Confluence Queens 5-1 in the NWFL Super Six opener.
• Emem Essien and Goodness Osigwe both scored two goals each.
• Coach Moses Aduku described the victory as revenge for last season’s defeat.
• Edo Queens will face Rivers Angels in their next fixture.
• The result strengthens Edo Queens’ position as title contenders.

Edo Queens Begin Super Six Campaign in Style

Edo Queens delivered one of the most commanding performances of the opening day of the NWFL Super Six, overpowering Confluence Queens 5-1 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

The emphatic victory immediately strengthened Edo Queens’ status as early contenders for the 2023/24 Nigeria Women Football League title, with the Benin-based side showing sharp attacking football and relentless pressure throughout the encounter.

Emem Essien Leads Rout

Forward Emem Essien set the tone for the afternoon when she fired Edo Queens ahead in the 13th minute. However, Confluence Queens briefly fought back after Merit Offor drew level in the 22nd minute.

The equaliser lasted only moments.

Edo Queens quickly restored their advantage through Goodness Osigwe, whose clinical finish in the 24th minute shifted momentum firmly back in favour of the Benin side.

Essien later grabbed her second goal of the match with a composed finish that exposed major defensive weaknesses in the Confluence Queens backline. Before halftime, Moses Esther added another strike to leave the Lokoja club trailing 4-1 at the break.

Goodness Osigwe Extends Dominance

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Edo Queens controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game.

Osigwe completed her brace in the 62nd minute, sealing a five-star display from the Edo side and effectively ending any hopes of a comeback for Confluence Queens.

Supporters inside the stadium applauded Edo Queens for their fluid movement, attacking coordination and disciplined structure. Many fans singled out Osigwe as one of the standout performers of the contest.

The result also underlined the tactical influence of coach Moses Aduku, who rotated his squad in the latter stages to give several substitutes playing time while preserving the team’s intensity.

Coach Moses Aduku Calls Victory “Sweet Revenge”

Speaking after the match, Aduku described the win as personal redemption following Edo Queens’ disappointing experience against Confluence Queens during the previous Super Six competition in Asaba.

According to the coach, the players executed the game plan effectively and took advantage of their scoring opportunities.

“It is a payback for us,” Aduku said after the game. “We are here for serious business and we want to take it one match at a time.”

He also praised Confluence Queens for remaining competitive despite the heavy scoreline, insisting the Lokoja side created chances but failed to convert them.

The coach added that Edo Queens arrived in Bayelsa with a clear objective — to win the title and reward the support received from the Edo State government and fans back home.

Edo Queens Send Early Warning to Rivals

The convincing margin of victory has already placed Edo Queens among the teams to watch in the competition.

Their attacking efficiency, physical intensity and confidence in transition could prove decisive as the Super Six progresses. The side will now turn attention to a crucial fixture against Rivers Angels in their next match.

For many observers, the opening performance was not only about the three points but also a statement of intent from a club eager to reclaim national dominance in women’s football.

Edo Queens Receive State Backing Ahead of Super Six

Key Takeaways

• Edo Queens qualified for the NWFL Super Six.
• Governor Godwin Obaseki rewarded the team with ₦5 million.
• Betsy Obaseki urged the club to win the league title.
• Edo officials pledged continued investment in sports development.
• The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s women’s league champions.

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