Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations at the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabrina Chikere, has attributed Edo Queens’ triumph in the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership to teamwork, resilience and unwavering determination.
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Edo Queens clinched their second NWFL title after securing 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 emerge champions, the Benin-based side displayed composure and tactical discipline to finish 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 crew, management and the Edo State Sports Commission.
“It’s all of us,” she said, stressing that unity and collective effort played a major role in the team’s success.
Chikere particularly praised the players for their strong response after suffering defeat in their opening match of the Super Six playoffs.
“They were there together. They conquered together, we achieved it together. It’s teamwork that made them win,” she said.
“After the first match, they picked up. They didn’t relent and they didn’t feel like they had lost it. They summoned courage, started all over again and that’s the outcome we have seen today.”
According to her, the ability of the team to recover mentally after the early setback was the defining factor in their title-winning campaign.
Using Edo Queens’ success story as motivation, Chikere also encouraged young girls across Nigeria to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
“As a girl, once you put your mind to something, you can achieve it. Life is achievable for everybody irrespective of gender,” she said.
“Edo Queens just proved that with teamwork, selflessness and determination, success is possible. My message to the girl child is to remain focused, work hard and never stop believing in yourself.”
The ESSC executive further applauded the Edo State Government and Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, for creating a conducive environment for sports development in the state.
“We appreciate the Edo State Government for their unwavering support and also the Chairman of the Sports Commission,” she said.
“He is a young man who has brought energy and youthfulness into the Sports Commission and we are already seeing the results.”
Chikere also commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his commitment and continued support for sports development.
“I give kudos to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his steadfastness, trust and belief in us. He has always supported us and success has continued to be our story,” she added.
Edo Queens’ latest triumph also saw head coach Moses Aduku make history as the first manager 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 focus 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 aim to secure qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League and continue their pursuit of a place at the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.
