11th November, 2024
By Usman Aliyu
Governor Godwin Obaseki has hailed the State’s female football team, Edo Queens, for their 3-0 victory over CBE FC of Ethiopia in the CAF Women’s Champions League in Casablanca, Morocco.
In a statement in Benin on Monday, Obaseki celebrated the Nigeria Women’s Football League champions for their doggedness and brilliant play during the game.
“I heartily congratulate our darling ladies for their superlative start of the CAF Women’s Champions League campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over the CBE FC of Ethiopia.
“The team has continued in their brilliant form with their impressive performance, dominating the field of play throughout the 90 minutes of regular time to secure the top spot of the championship.
“They have given a good account of themselves and have kept to their promise of making us proud.
“We wish them success as they continue on their impressive run in the championship and are confident that they will bring the laurel home. Congratulations, champs!,” Obaseki said.
Edo Queens had put up a dominant performance on Sunday to overcome fellow debutants, CBE FC at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ljamilusi and Chukwuamaka Osigwe was all the WAFU B champions needed to secure a vital win in their CAF Women’s Champions League debut.
The coach Moses Aduku’s ladies pressed on early in the game and were duly rewarded as early as the fifth minute with Essien opening scoring from a well taken cross from Ljamilusi.
The Benin-based ladies, extended their lead following a good combination play between her and Esther Moses in the box for Ljamilusi to send it into the roof of the net in the 54th minute.
With the match comfortably in their control, the Nigerians continued to enjoy a large share of possession, with CBE hardly troubling their defence.
The match was eventually put beyond reach for the Ethiopians in the 80th minute when 17-year-old substitute, Osigwe controlled a ball from Moses to unleash a left-footed strike that left the keeper with no chance.
The commanding win sees the Queens top Group B, with FC Masar behind them following their 1-0 win over reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies earlier in the day.
Edo Queens will face FC Masar of Egypt in their second group game on Wednesday.
(NAN)
