Okpebholo rewards victorious Edo Queens with N50m

Okpebholo rewards victorious Edo Queens with N50m

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Following Edo Queens' triumph as Nigeria Women Football League(NWFL) and West Africa Football Union( WAFU-B) Champions , Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state today received the victorious team and rewarded them with Fifty Million Naira prize money.

The Governor made the N50M announcement at the Festival Hall, Government House during the grand reception organized in honour of the victorious Queens who have brought glory to the state.

At the reception ceremony, Governor Okpebholo commended the team for their doggedness and determination, particularly their impressive performance and triumph over a Ghanaian side,Amperm Darkoa Ladies in the finals,announcing the reward of N50 million for the players and officials of the club.

It will be recalled that Edo Queens played a 2-2 draw against Ghanaian side, Ampem Darkoa Ladies, after regulation time before they prevailed 4-1 in the decisive penalty shootout to win the WAFU-B tournament trophy and also secured qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League proper scheduled to hold in South Africa later this year.

The governor said the victory was significant to Edo people and the country, adding that the players displayed resilience and determination throughout the competition.

According to him, he was confident that the team would win the penalty shootout after observing the goalkeeper's composure and strategy.

Okpebholo said the goalkeeper's movements and efforts to distract the Ghanaian penalty takers gave him confidence that the team would prevail.

He said he was particularly impressed by the goalkeeper's saves during the shootout, describing her brilliance and composure as crucial to the team's victory.

The governor also commended the coach and other members of the technical crew for their contributions to the success.

“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,” Okpebholo said.

The governor also commended the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) for televising the final match live, saying the coverage enabled more Nigerians to watch and celebrate the team's achievement.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman,Edo State Sports Commission Hon.Amadin Enabulele, commended Edo Queens' resilience throughout the tournament, saying that they had done the state proud.

“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.

“I am particularly proud of the new management for not only keeping the flame burning but also raising the standard even higher,” he said.

Enabulele also commended the Edo Queens coaches, technical crew and management team for their sacrifices, adding that they carried the hopes and aspirations of Edo people on their shoulders.

He assured the Governor that more supporting glory will come to the state as the state lead the chart in the sports development index of the country. He noted that the achievement of the state sports commission since he assumed office would not have been possible without the financial commitment of Eddo state government.

He particularly praised the leader of delegation to Burkina Faso for the WAFU B tournament Emperor Jarrett Tenebe for his immense contribution and support for Edo Queens. He described Tenebe as a true leader who is ever ready to confront challenges of his people.

The Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club and leader of delegation to Burkina Faso for the WAFU B tournament,Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, described the Edo Queens as warriors, saying that they were ready to conquer Africa sooner than expected due to the motivation the team was receiving from the governor.

Tenebe said that meaningful engagement of youths would solve 85 per cent of security challenges in the state, adding that the governor was attaching more interest to youth development to curb crime and criminality.