Edo Queens head coach, Moses Aduku, is brimming with confidence as his team prepares to make history. He believes they can become the first Nigerian side to clinch the CAF Women’s Champions League title.
The Nigerian Women’s Premier League and WAFU B champions have been drawn into Group B alongside defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, FS Masar of Egypt, and Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank of Ethiopia WFC.
Their journey begins on Sunday against fellow debutants CBE, the CECAFA Women’s champions, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. Aduku is optimistic about their chances.
“We’re excited to represent Nigeria and West Africa in the CAF Women’s Champions League. Our goal is to participate, compete, and ultimately, win the trophy. We’re well-prepared and eager to kick off our campaign with a victory.”
Despite the magnitude of the competition, Aduku remains focused on encouraging his players and maintaining a positive team spirit:
“We’ll keep reminding the players that it’s a game of two halves and 90 minutes. They must give their all in every match to advance to the next stage. They need to play for each other, and overall, the team is strong and ready to go.”
Nigeria has a rich history in women’s football, with the Super Falcons winning the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations a record nine times. However, Nigerian clubs like Rivers Angels and Delta Queens have yet to conquer the CAF Women’s Champions League. Aduku is determined to break this trend:
“Women’s football is thriving in Nigeria. While the Super Falcons have dominated Africa, no Nigerian club has lifted this trophy. We’re here to change that.”
Even facing defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Aduku remains unfazed:
“We’re going all out to win the trophy. We respect Mamelodi Sundowns and their quality, but our goal remains the same.”
