Edo Queens made an impressive debut in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over fellow newcomers CBE of Ethiopia in a Group B fixture at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on Sunday.
The Nigerian champions, who triumphed in the Nigeria Women Football League this season, opened their account early with a goal from Emem Peace in the 5th minute.
Despite their swift start, CBE managed to neutralize the Nigerian attack for the remainder of the first half, with the scoreline reading 1-0 at the break.
However, the second half saw Edo Queens break through once again. Just 10 minutes after the restart, Super Falcons forward Folashade Ijamilusi doubled the lead with a clinical strike, putting her team firmly in control.
To seal the win, Goodness Osigwe, another star from Nigeria’s recent friendlies against Algeria, came off the bench to score the third goal, ensuring a comprehensive victory for coach Moses Aduku’s side.
The dominant performance saw Edo Queens leap to the top of Group B on goal difference, ahead of Masar FC of Egypt, who caused an upset by defeating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 earlier in the day.
Edo Queens now turn their attention to their next challenge, facing Masar FC on Wednesday before taking on the reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, on November 16 at the same venue.
Edo Queens’ triumph marked a historic moment for Nigerian football as they become the third Nigerian team to participate in the prestigious competition, following in the footsteps of Rivers Angels in 2021 and Bayelsa Queens in 2022.
While Nigeria’s best finish so far has been a third-place finish by Bayelsa Queens, coach Aduku has expressed his team’s ambition to make history by becoming the first Nigerian side to lift the continental trophy.
In addition to the prestige, Edo Queens are assured of a $150,000 participation fee, with the potential for even more earnings as they progress through the competition.
The winners of the tournament will take home a grand prize of $600,000, while the runners-up will receive $400,000, and the third-placed team will be awarded $35,000, alongside other financial incentives.
