5 days Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Nigerian champions, Edo Queens of Benin, will get at least $300,000 for progressing to the semifinals of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League. The Nigerian ladies laid down the marker at the weekend when they scored two late goals to defeat defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in their last group game. That feat took them to the semifinals of the competition and a chance to win the ultimate prize, $600, 000.
Edo Queens will come home with $300, 000 if they lose the game against DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, but should they win the game, their prize will rise to $350,000. For qualifying for the final game at the expense of TP Mazembe, Edo Queens will get $400,000, just as victory in the final game will fetch them $600, 000. Looking forward to a historic day for Nigerian women’s football, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, yesterday, commended Edo Queens’ extraordinary fighting spirit in overpowering Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1, saying the girls have the qualities to become African champions.
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 of 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.
” 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 Nigerian’s 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 semifinal tomorrow, at 4.00 p.
m. Morocco time, before AS FAR of Morocco confront Masar of Egypt in the second semifinal 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.
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