Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has rewarded Edo Queens with the sum of N50 million for winning the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League and the 2026 WAFU-B Champions League titles.
The governor announced the cash reward on Tuesday in Benin during the official presentation of the two trophies to the team.
Okpebholo commended the players for their determination and resilience, describing their achievement as significant not only for Edo State but for Nigeria as a whole. He said he became confident of victory during the penalty shootout after closely observing the goalkeeper’s composure, movements and strategy.
According to him, the goalkeeper’s efforts to distract the Ghanaian penalty takers and the subsequent saves played a crucial role in securing the victory.
“I have no doubt in my mind at all. I believe that when you go to war and you are determined to win, you will win. 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 coach and his crew. I want to reward the team with the sum of N50 million,” the governor said.
Okpebholo also praised the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) for providing live television coverage of the match, noting that the broadcast enabled many Nigerians to watch and celebrate the team’s success.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, described the team’s double triumph as a product of 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. I am particularly proud of the new management for not only keeping the flame burning but also raising the standard even higher,” he said.
Enabulele also commended the coaches, technical crew and management for their sacrifices, stating that they carried the hopes and aspirations of Edo people throughout the competitions.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Jarrett Tenebe, described Edo Queens as warriors capable of conquering Africa sooner than expected. He attributed the team’s progress to the motivation provided by the governor and emphasised the importance of greater youth engagement in addressing security challenges in the state.
Tenebe noted that meaningful engagement of young people could solve a significant portion of security problems, stressing the need for sustained investment in youth development.
The presentation of the trophies and the cash reward marked a major celebration of Edo Queens’ historic achievements in both domestic and regional women’s football.
