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The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations of the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabrina Chikere, has attributed Edo Queens’ triumph in the 2025/26 Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership to teamwork, resilience and unwavering determination.
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Edo Queens clinched their second NWFL title after earning a hard-fought goalless draw against Bayelsa Queens on the final day of the Super Six playoffs at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday.
Needing only a draw to become champions, the Benin-based team displayed composure and tactical discipline to finish at the top of the standings with 10 points, two ahead of Bayelsa Queens.
Speaking after the title success, Chikere described the achievement as a collective victory for the players, coaching team, management and the Edo State Sports Commission.
“It’s all of us,” he said, noting that unity and collective effort played a big role in the team’s success.
Chikere particularly praised the players for their strong response after suffering defeat in their first Super Six playoff match.
“They were there together. They conquered together, we achieved it together. It was teamwork that made them win,” he said.
“After the first game, they recovered. They didn’t give in and they didn’t feel like they had lost control. They gathered their courage, started all over again and that’s the result we saw today.”
According to her, the team’s ability to mentally recover after the initial setback was the decisive factor in the title-winning campaign.
Using the success story of Edo Queens as motivation, Chikere also encouraged young girls across Nigeria to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
“As a girl, once you set your mind to something, you can achieve it. Life is achievable for everyone, regardless of gender,” she said.
“Edo Queens just proved that with teamwork, selflessness and determination, success is possible. My message to girls is to stay focused, work hard and never stop believing in yourself.”
The ESSC executive further applauded the Edo State Government and the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, for creating a conducive environment for sports development in the state.
“We thank the Edo State Government for their unwavering support and also the Chairman of the Sports Commission,” he said.
“He is a young man who has brought energy and youth to the Sports Commission and we are already seeing the results.”
Chikere also commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his commitment and continued support to the development of sports.
“I congratulate Governor Monday Okpebholo for his steadfastness, trust and faith in us. He has always supported us and success has continued to be our story,” he added.
Edo Queens’ latest triumph also saw head coach Moses Aduku make history as the first coach to win three NWFL Premiership titles in six seasons. Aduku previously guided Bayelsa Queens to the title in 2022 before leading Edo Queens to league triumphs in 2024 and 2026.
Following their domestic success, Edo Queens will now shift their attention to the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers scheduled to take place in Burkina Faso from August 13 to September 5.
The Nigerian champions will look to secure qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League and continue their quest for a place in the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.
