Tag: Edo Queens

TP Mazembe’s 2022 disappointment has become a thing of the past after the Ravens officially secured their place in the final of the on-going CAF Women’s Champions League final after a 3-1 win over Edo Queens on Tuesday evening.

The Ravens came from behind to force the game into extra time after Emem Essien had initially scored what seemed to be the winner for the tournament debutants in the 65th  minute.

However, the ever-green Merveille Kanjinga’s last minute gasp saw the encounter go into extra time in what would be a dramatic turn of events.

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After doing well to keep the high in confidence Mazembe at bay, an unfortunate own goal by Comfort Folorunsho saw the Nigerians concede what would be a confidence dashing goal.

Queens did eventually pick their heads up and gained confidence, with more numbers surging into the Mazembe half.

The desperate attacks resulted in rushed decisions and errors as the Nigerian outfit conceded a penalty in the last minute for Marlene Kasaj to step up and seal the victory for the Congolese side, who make history as the first club from the nations to reach the finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League in its four year history.

Nigeria’s flag bearers , Edo Queens , will  today seek  a final spot as  the  semi-finals  of the  CAF Women’s Champions League 2024 take centre stage in Casablanca and El Jadida.

After challenging group stage matches, the final four teams  that advanced to the  semi-finals  will battle it out  as Edo Queens  face off  against TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of  Congo at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca.

In the other semi-finals, home team ASFAR  of Morocco will be  up in arms against fellow North African side,  FC Masar of Egypt at the  M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida

Profiling the four gladiators,  CAF noted that Edo Queens  has ‘displayed  flair and determination’, adding :“ The Nigerian side emerged as a fan favourite with thrilling matches and key victory against reigning Champions Mamelodi Sundowns that earned them a semi-final spot.”

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For TP Mazembe, it  was stated: “The Congolese side made history by reaching the semifinals for the first time, showcasing resilience and tactical strength throughout the group stage.”

On the part of   the Morocco’s representative,  ASFAR, CAF  noted their unbeaten run so far: “The 2022 champions remain unbeaten, topping their group with stellar defensive and attacking performances. They aim to retain their title on home soil.”

According to CAF, FC Masar, remains  the Cinderella team and could be hard to beat today: “A surprise package this year, the Egyptian side advanced with a solid team structure and standout individual performances, proving their mettle among Africa’s elite. “

Meanwhile,  the continental soccer ruling body noted that “ this year’s edition features a significant increase in prize money, reflecting CAF’s commitment to developing women’s football on the continent. Teams are not only competing for glory but also for a larger financial reward, which will further support the growth of women’s football programs across Africa.”

The overall winner of the tournament will be rewarded with a staggering USD 600,000 while the runners-up will get USD 400,000

An exultant President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Sunday commended the extraordinary fighting spirit of Nigerian champions Edo Queens in overpowering defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on Saturday night, to reach the semi-finals of the on-going CAF Women’s Champions League competition in Morocco.

Edo Queens, who won the Nigerian title for only the first time last season, went ahead to beat all comers to win the WAFU B Women’s Champions League competition (a qualifying tournament for the continental championship) in Cote d’Ivoire, and have now made it to the last four of the dollar-spangled event.

“The NFF and the Nigeria football family are very happy at the accomplishments of Edo Queens over the past months, from winning the WAFU B title to reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League. We congratulate the Edo State Government and all those involved in this remarkable progress of the team.

“The ladies exhibited the much-talked-about Nigeria spirit to come from behind and defeat the Cup holders. Theirs is a statement in resilience, determination and ambition. I believe they have been highly inspired by that victory and have the capacity to go all the way and win the title.”

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Sundowns, who have reached, at least, the Final of every edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League since the competition was inaugurated in 2021, went ahead in the 24th minute through Melinda Kgadiete, and held on to the advantage until the end of regulation time. However, five minutes into added time, Emem Essien drew the Nigerians level when her tenacity in the box paid off after the Sundowns’ goalkeeper dropped the ball from a cross.

Five minutes later, Mary Mamudu gave the Queens victory by lashing into the roof of the net after a good run and pass by Super Falcons’ forward Goodness Osigwe.

The win handed the Nigerian champions leadership of group B, with the defending champions eliminated.

Edo Queens will take on TP Mazembe of DR Congo in the first semi-final tomorrow, at 4pm Morocco time, before AS FAR of Morocco confront Masar of Egypt in the second semi-final three hours later.

In their first two matches of the competition, the Queens defeated Commercial Bank of Ethiopia 3-0 and drew 0-0 with Masar FC of Egypt.

Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership defending champions, Edo Queens will need just a draw in their decisive encounter with reigning CAF Women’s Champions League holders, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies to qualify for the semi-final of the annual competition ongoing in Morocco.

Edo Queens played a goalless draw against Egyptian side, Masar FC in their second game of the competition yesterday to move to four points from two games and  remains  unbeaten.

 They are now first in Group B on goals difference ahead of Masar FC who are also on four points. Mamelodi Sundowns are third with three points while Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) are last without any point.

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The CAF Women’s Champions League is meant for elite teams in Africa but debutants Edo Queens have given a good account of themselves and will progress to the last four if they avoid a defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.

Masar FC too are on the verge of qualification as well with four points from two games and will face whipping team, CBE in the last game on Saturday.

In Group A, University of Western Cape (UWC) of South Africa staged a return in the competition with a 2-0 victory over Aigles de la Medina of Senegal while AS FAR of Morocco defeated TP Mazembe of DR Congo to move to six points from two games. They are the first team to qualify for the semi-final.

TP Mazembe and UWC will slug it out for the second semi-final ticket when they face Aigles de la Medina and AS FAR in the last group games on Friday.

Coach Moses Adukwu has urged  Edo Queens to continue taking  their chances if they are to go far in the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League holding in Morocco.

The Nigerian champions defeated Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC 3-0 on Sunday in the opening game of the CAF Women’s Champions League Group B.

Adukwu admitted that their opponent was tough to play  but that they didn’t allow them to play their normal game and that they were able to utilise most of the chances that came their way.

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“We played a wonderful game. The victory was sweet. We got our chances and we took them,” Adukwu told journalists. “But the game was very tough. Our opponent is not a pushover but we denied them the opportunity of playing their game.

“We also tried to impose ourselves  on the game. We got the opportunity, and we scored.

“If you must stay in the competition, you need to win your first game that was our mind-set.

“As a debutant, we believe, if we win, we have the opportunity to move ahead,” he added.

A dominant display by Edo Queens saw the Nigerian outfit overcoming fellow debutants, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC 3-0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday.

Brilliantly taken goals by Emem Essien, Folashade Ijamilusi and Chukwuamaka Osigwe were enough to secure a CAF Women’s Champions League debut victory for the WAFU B champions against the Ethiopian side.

The youthful Edo Queens wasted no time in getting off their mark, pressing numbers forward and forcing errors of the CBE defence.

Their efforts were duly rewarded as early as the fifth minute when the speedy Ijamilusi’s brilliant run concluded with a well taken cross that found a well-positioned Essien who showed composure in bringing it down to fire her side into the lead.

CBE tried getting back into the game, but Queens’ high pressing kept them at bay.

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Coming back from the recess, the Nigerians extended their lead with Ijamilusi doubling the lead after good combination play between her and Esther Moses in the box for Ijamilusi to send it into the roof of the net in the 54th minute.

With the match comfortably in their control, Queens continued enjoying a lion’s share of possession, with CBE hardly troubling their defence.

The match was eventually put beyond reach for the Ethiopians in the 80th minute when 17-year-old substitute, Chukwuamaka Osigwe controlled a ball from Moses to unleash a left-footed strike that left the keeper with no chance.

The commanding win sees Queens top Group B, with FC Masar behind them following their 1-0 win over reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies earlier on the day.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has pegged $150,000  USD  (about 250 million naira) as appearance fee for each of the eight African Women Football Clubs that are participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024 including Nigeria’s representatives, Edo Queens.

This year’s prize money was increased by 52% by CAF while Nigeria’s representatives, Edo Queens are expected to smile home with about N250,000,000 for participation alone in  the competition.

Edo Queens could go as far as making triple of that amount of even more if they win the competition in Morocco and that will earn them the status of being the first Nigerian club to do that.

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The 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League begins tomorrow  with eight clubs in attendance. They are: TP Mazembe of DR Congo, AS FAR of Morocco, UWC Ladies (South Africa), FC Masar (Egypt), Aigles de la Medina (Senegal), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), CBE (Ethiopia) and Edo Queens.

The competition starts tomorrow with TP Mazembe facing UWC Ladies in the afternoon before the hosts, AS FAR square up with Aigles de la Medina at night of the same day.

Edo Queens will slug it out with CBE of Ethiopia on Sunday while it will be the turn of reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns to face FC Masar at night also on Sunday.

The prize money for the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024 are as follows:

Winner: USD 600 000

Runner Up: USD 400 000

3rd Place: USD 350 000

4th Place: USD 300 000

3rd From Group: USD 200 000 each

4th From  Group: USD 150 000 each

Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Board has thrown its weight behind Nigerian champions, Edo Queens, as they prepare to compete for glory in this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco, beginning on November 9, 2024.

NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi expressed her confidence in the team’s ability to represent Nigeria with excellence, stating: “Edo Queens’ journey to this prestigious stage is a testament to their hard work and resilience. As they take on Africa’s best clubs, we are offering our unwavering support and belief in their potential to achieve historic success.”

The NWFL Board has pledged its backing to boost WAFU-B champions Edo Queens in their quest and encourages the players to approach each match with pride, determination, and unity. The Board further reiterated its belief in Edo Queens’ ability to showcase Nigerian football’s strength and talent on the continental stage.

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 “As you face Africa’s elite, remember you carry the dreams of Nigerian women’s football with you,” the chairperson stated. “We are proud to stand behind you and are confident you will make Nigeria shine.”

With Rivers Angels (2021) and Bayelsa Queens (2022) as previous Nigerian representatives—Edo Queens now set their sights on history, aiming to become the first Nigerian side to reach the final and capture the coveted title on their first attempt.

The Benin Arsenals will begin their maiden campaign in Group B against fellow debutantes Central Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) on November 10, 2024, and square up against first-timers, FC Masar of Egypt three days later before tackling title holders Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on November 16.

Newly-crowned Champions of the just concluded CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifiers, Edo Queens FC will hold a trophy parade in Benin-City to celebrate their victory in Cote d’Ivoire.

According to the club’s media, the victorious ladies and their teeming supporters will have a road show where they will sail round the ancient city of Benin to appreciate the people for their support. Also, they will be hosted to a historic reception by the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, his Wife, Betsy Obaseki, members of the State Executives and the sports loving people of Edo State.

The Moses Aduku-led side participated in the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B play-off in Cote D’Ivoire alongside other six West African club sides.

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At the end of the WAFU-B showpiece, Edo Queens conquered six other club sides from the zone and emerged champions.

As Champions of the WAFU-B play-off, Edo Queens will now represent the zone in the final stage of the CAF Women’s Champions League proper coming up in November 2024 in a yet to be decided country.

The host country for the final stage of the 2024 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League will be appointed during the General Assembly to be held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on 10^th  October.