Gov. Okpebholo Rewards Victorious Edo Queens With N50m

By Rosemary Okoduwa

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the resilience, determination and outstanding performance of the victorious Edo Queens, rewarding the players and officials with N50 million following their triumph over Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies.

Okpebholo announced the reward on Tuesday at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, during a special ceremony to present the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League trophies to the state. Edo Queens had earlier played a 2-2 draw with Ampem Darkoa after regulation time before securing a 4-1 victory in the decisive penalty shootout.

The governor described the victory as significant for both Edo State and Nigeria, commending the players for their resilience and determination throughout the competition. He said he became confident of victory during the penalty shootout after observing the composure and strategy of the team’s goalkeeper.

According to Okpebholo, the goalkeeper’s movements and efforts to distract the Ghanaian penalty takers, coupled with her crucial saves, assured him that Edo Queens would emerge victorious. He also commended the coach, technical crew 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 determination. 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.

The governor also commended the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) for televising the match live, noting that the coverage enabled more Nigerians to watch and celebrate the team’s historic achievement. Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, praised Edo Queens for winning both the NWFL and WAFU-B championships in the same season.

Enabulele said the feat required grit, unity, discipline, resilience and unwavering self-belief. He also commended the team’s new management, coaches and technical crew for their sacrifices and efforts to raise the standard of the club. He said the team had carried the hopes and aspirations of Edo people throughout the competition.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Jarrett Tenebe, described Edo Queens as “warriors,” expressing confidence that the team would conquer Africa sooner than expected, given the motivation and support provided by the governor. He added that meaningful youth engagement could address a significant proportion of security challenges in the state, commending the governor for prioritising youth development as a strategy to curb crime and criminality.