Okpebholo Rewards Edo Queens N50m After WAFU-B Triumph

Okpebholo Rewards Edo Queens N50m After WAFU-B Triumph Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has rewarded Edo Queens with N50 million following their impressive victory over Ghanaian club Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League. The governor announced the cash reward on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, where the team presented both the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) trophy and the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title. Edo Queens secured the continental title after playing a 2-2 draw with Ampem Darkoa Ladies at the end of regulation time before winning 4-1 on penalties. Okpebholo praised the players for their determination, resilience and fighting spirit throughout the competition, describing their achievement as a significant moment for both Edo State and Nigeria. The governor said he became confident of victory during the penalty shootout after observing the composure and tactics of the Edo Queens goalkeeper. According to him, the goalkeeper's movements and efforts to distract the Ghanaian penalty takers suggested that Edo Queens had the advantage. He also praised the goalkeeper's crucial saves during the shootout, as well as the coach, technical crew and other officials whose contributions helped the team achieve 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,” the governor said. Okpebholo also commended the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) for broadcasting the match live, noting that the coverage allowed Nigerians to watch and celebrate the team's historic achievement. Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, praised Edo Queens for their remarkable performance throughout the tournament. Enabulele noted that winning both the NWFL and WAFU-B titles in the same season was a major accomplishment that demonstrated the team's grit, unity, discipline and resilience. “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,” he said. He also applauded the team's new management for maintaining the club's success while raising its standards, while commending the coaches, technical crew and management for their sacrifices. Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Jarrett Tenebe, described Edo Queens as “warriors” and expressed confidence that the team could conquer Africa sooner than expected, particularly with the increasing support and motivation from the state government. Tenebe further said that meaningful youth engagement could address about 85 per cent of security challenges in the state. He praised Governor Okpebholo for placing greater emphasis on youth development as part of efforts to tackle crime and criminality in Edo State.