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CAF Champions League: Replicate Ivory Coast Success In Morocco, Alli Charges Edo Queens

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By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

The Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yusuf Alli, has charged the state female football team – Edo Queens – to replicate the recent success they had in Ivory Coast in Morocco as they prepare to represent Nigeria at the Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

The Edo State Sports Commission boss gave the charge when he addressed the Edo Arsenal, emphasizing the need for determination and unity of purpose among the players.

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He reassured the team of the state’s commitment, noting that arrangements for their travel and accommodation have been put in place.

READ ALSO: CAFWCL Qualifiers: Yussuf Alli Hails Edo Queens As Team Conquer West Africa

“Everything is set in place for us to go to Morocco and conquer, just like we did in Ivory Coast,” the chairman declared.

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Alli, while promising full support and financial rewards, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bring the trophy home.

“We will come here with a cup. I’m dead sure that the cup is coming to Nigeria,” he expressed optimism.

In a separate interview, the Head Coach, Edo Queens, Moses Aduku and Captain Efemweokiekie Osakpolor expressed their gratitude, voicing their determination to make both the state and chairman proud.

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READ ALSO: CAF Women Champions League: Edo Queens Get Hero’s Welcome, Obaseki Doles Out Cash Reward On Team

“By the grace of God, we are going to make not just the state proud, but also make you proud as well,” she stated with confidence.

Also speaking, the chairman, Sports Writers Association,SWAN, Edo State chapter, Comrade Kehinde Osagiede, noted that by winning the female league and now advancing to the West African qualifiers, the team’s achievements have already made history

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“Our wish is that this thing will go far and bring the Women’s Champions League to Nigeria,” he concluded, applauding the team’s dedication.

The Edo Queens will depart for Lagos at 8:00 am tomorrow, followed by their journey to Casablanca, Morocco, on Thursday morning at 5:10 am.

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Ballon d’Or 2025: Full List Of Winners

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In a night of celebration and surprises at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony crowned new champions in men’s and women’s football. PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé emerged as the men’s winner, capping off a stellar season that saw him lead his club to Champions League triumph.

Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí made history by securing the women’s award for the third consecutive year. Here’s the complete rundown of all the major awards from football’s most prestigious gala.

Men’s Ballon d’Or
• Winner: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

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The 28-year-old French star beat out fierce competition from Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Dembélé’s pivotal role in PSG’s European success, including key goals and assists, propelled him to the top. This marks his first Ballon d’Or and continues a trend where winners since 2013 have been 28 or older.

READ ALSO:Ballon d’Or: 2025 Women’s Club Of The Year Emerge

Top 5 Rankings:
1 Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

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2 Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

3 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Women’s Ballon d’Or
• Winner: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)
Bonmatí became the first player to win three in a row, despite Barcelona’s loss in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final to Arsenal and Spain’s defeat to England in the Euro 2025 final. Her standout performances as the best player in both the Euros and Champions League sealed the deal, edging out Arsenal’s Alessia Russo and Barcelona’s Mariona Caldentey.

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Other Major Awards
Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player, Under 21): Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
The 18-year-old wunderkind took home this award without contest, with speculation swirling about his potential for the senior Ballon d’Or in future years. Yamal’s speech humbly acknowledged the bigger prize ahead.

READ ALSO:Ballon d’Or: PSG Win Best Team Of The Year

Yashin Trophy (Donnaruma): Now in Manchester City, however the Italian shotstopper was pivotal during PSG’s quest for its first European glory.

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• Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
Honoring their dominant 2024-25 campaign, including Champions League victory. The Paris crowd erupted as DJ Snake presented the award amid chants.

• Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal
Recognized for their undefeated run in the Champions League and overall excellence.

• Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique

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Highlights and reactions
The evening was a mix of glamour and minor gaffes—think awkward dance breaks and a quirky DJ presentation—but the focus remained on the stars. Dembélé’s win has sparked debates on X and beyond, with fans crediting his team’s support while others lament Salah’s perennial near-miss. “What does Mo Salah have to do?” one BBC commenter quipped.

Bonmatí’s third win cements her as a legend at just 27, though some voices argued for Russo’s dual Euros and Champions League heroics. Real Madrid’s boycott drama from 2024 was absent this year, with their stars like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior attending gracefully despite missing the podium.

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Ballon d’Or: 2025 Women’s Club Of The Year Emerge

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Arsenal Women have been named the 2025 Women’s Club of the Year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris on Monday night.

The award comes after a historic season for the Gunners, who lifted the UEFA Women’s Champions League, defeating Barcelona 1-0 in the final in Lisbon. Stina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal to hand Arsenal their second European crown.

Beyond their European success, the North London side also impressed domestically, finishin second in the Women’s Super League and reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup..

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: PSG Player Wins 2025 Ballon d’Or

The Women’s Club of the Year award recognises not only on-field success but also the club’s wider contribution to the growth of the women’s game.

Arsenal’s strong development structure, international recognition, and fan engagement were also factors behind their recognition.

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Ballon d’Or: PSG Win Best Team Of The Year

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Paris Saint-Germain have been crowned the Best Team of 2025 at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris on Monday night.

The French champions, who enjoyed a remarkable season both domestically and in Europe, were recognised for their consistency and dominance across competitions.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: PSG Player Wins 2025 Ballon d’Or

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The French giants enjoyed an extraordinary 2024-25 season, capturing four major trophies: the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, the UEFA Champions League, and the Trophée des Champions.

They also reached the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, underlining their quality and ability to compete with the very best across continents.

The Best Team award at the Ballon d’Or gala highlights the Parisians’ evolution from domestic dominance to genuine European and global contenders.

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