The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has congratulated Edo Queens, the reigning Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) champions, on their qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Idahosa, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, on Sunday, described the feat as a remarkable achievement that had further placed Edo State at the forefront of women’s football in Nigeria and West Africa.

Edo Queens secured the qualification after defeating Ghanaian champions, Ampem Darkoa, in a dramatic penalty shootout in the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Burkina Faso.

The deputy governor commended the players and technical crew for their resilience, discipline and determination in securing the historic qualification.

He also commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo for his administration’s deliberate investment in sports development and for creating an enabling environment for Edo athletes and teams to excel at national and international competitions.

Idahosa particularly praised the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Enabulele, for his leadership, commitment and strategic support to the development of sports in the state.

He said Enabulele’s efforts, alongside the commission’s management and officials, had contributed to creating the structures and support system necessary for Edo athletes and teams to compete effectively at the highest level.

The deputy governor also commended the coaches, technical crew, and other officials who accompanied and supported Edo Queens throughout the competition in Burkina Faso, describing their collective commitment as instrumental to the team’s success.

According to him, Edo Queens’ qualification is not only a victory for the team but also a significant moment for Nigerian women’s football, as it gives the country another opportunity to compete in the continent’s premier women’s club football competition.

Idahosa said the achievement further demonstrated that sustained investment in women’s football could produce world-class results, inspire young girls across Edo and Nigeria, and strengthen the state’s reputation as a leading hub for sports development.

He urged the team to remain focused and continue to represent Edo and Nigeria with pride, assuring the players and officials of the state government’s continued support as they prepare for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

“I congratulate the players, coaches, technical crew, officials, and the entire Edo Queens family on this well-deserved qualification.

“You have made Edo State and Nigeria proud. Your victory is a testament to what can be achieved when talent is matched with discipline, commitment, and the right investment.

“We are proud of you and look forward to seeing you make an even greater mark on the continental stage,” Idahosa said.

He added: “Edo Queens have once again shown that when we invest in our women and provide them with the right platform, they can compete and win anywhere in Africa.

“This is a victory for Edo, a victory for Nigeria and a major boost for the future of women’s football in our country.”

Idahosa wished the team success in the CAF Women’s Champions League, expressing confidence that the players would continue to uphold Edo’s proud tradition of excellence in sports.

The reigning Nigerian champions began their campaign in Group B of the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers with a commanding 7-0 victory over AS Garde Nationale of Niger.

They followed it with a 3-1 win over ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire, a result that secured their passage to the semi-finals.

The Edo team, however, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa in their final group match, finishing second in the group.

In the semi-final, the Nigerian champions bounced back in emphatic fashion, defeating hosts USFA of Burkina Faso 5-1 to book their place in the final.

The final provided a dramatic rematch with Ampem Darkoa, who had defeated Edo Queens in the group stage.

After a thrilling 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time, Edo Queens prevailed 4-1 on penalties to win the WAFU-B title.

The victory earned Edo Queens the WAFU-B zone’s qualification ticket for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, completing an impressive campaign in which they scored 21 goals across five matches.