Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has rewarded the victorious Edo Queens with N50 million for their outstanding performance in clinching the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) title and the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League.
Okpebholo announced the cash reward on Tuesday at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, during a ceremony to celebrate the team’s back-to-back triumphs.
Edo Queens secured the WAFU-B crown after battling Ghanaian champions, Ampem Darkoa Ladies, to a 2-2 draw at regulation time before triumphing 4-1 on penalties.
The governor hailed the team’s resilience, determination and fighting spirit, describing the victory as significant not only to Edo State but to Nigeria.
Okpebholo said he was confident Edo Queens would emerge victorious during the penalty shootout after observing the composure and tactics of the team’s goalkeeper.
He particularly praised the goalkeeper’s saves and movements, which, he said, played a crucial role in unsettling the Ghanaian penalty takers and securing the historic victory.
The governor also commended the coaching crew, technical team and other officials for their contributions to the team’s 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.
He also praised the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) for transmitting the decisive match live, noting that the coverage enabled Nigerians to follow and celebrate the team’s achievement.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, described Edo Queens’ feat as a product of grit, unity, discipline and resilience.
Enabulele said winning the NWFL and WAFU-B titles in the same season was a remarkable achievement, commending the team’s management, coaches and technical crew for raising the standard of women’s football in the state.
He said the players had carried the hopes and aspirations of Edo people throughout the competition and deserved commendation for their sacrifices.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Jarrett Tenebe, described Edo Queens as “warriors,” expressing optimism that the team would conquer Africa sooner than later, given the growing support and motivation from the state government.
Tenebe said greater investment in youth development and meaningful engagement of young people would significantly contribute to tackling insecurity, commending the governor for prioritising sports and youth development.
