Edo Queens have been awarded N50 million by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo after winning the 2026 WAFU B Women’s Champions League.
Okpebholo announced the reward on Tuesday at a reception held for the champions in Benin City, following their return from Burkina Faso.
The team received a hero’s welcome after landing at the airport, where players and officials began a victory parade along Airport Road towards Osadebe Avenue. Supporters lined the route to celebrate Edo Queens before the squad was formally received by the governor.
Addressing the players and coaching staff at the reception, Okpebholo praised their resilience, determination and fighting spirit during the competition. He said he had remained confident the team would defeat Ghanaian opponents Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the final.
“If you had won the first match against Ampem Darkoa Ladies of Ghana, they would have defeated you in the final,” the governor said.
“I was very confident that our girls would make us proud, as this cup means a lot to our people.”
Edo Queens’ success was secured after a dramatic final in Ouagadougou on Sunday night. The match finished 2-2 after regulation time before the Nigerian side won the penalty shootout 4-1.
The governor highlighted the importance of the shootout, with particular praise for Edo Queens’ goalkeeper after she produced a crucial save at a decisive moment.
“That brilliant save gave us the energy and confidence we needed. I could see the Ghanaian players beginning to lose confidence and become emotional. At that point, I knew we had the advantage,” he added.
The victory secured Edo Queens’ place as representatives of the WAFU B zone at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The final had been closely contested, but Edo Queens held their nerve when the title was decided from the spot. Their triumph in Ouagadougou completed an impressive campaign and prompted the celebrations on their return to Edo State.
Okpebholo also promised that the government would continue backing the team and provide further opportunities for the players to develop their careers and achieve more success.
“As a government, we will continue to support and reward the team and create more opportunities for them to excel,” he said.
The reception in Benin City followed the public celebrations along Airport Road, underlining the significance of the continental qualification and the team’s WAFU B title to supporters in Edo State.
By Adeboye Amosu