…fetes team with cash gifts

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, received the victorious Edo Queen, winners of the CAF Women’s League WAFU B Qualifiers, rewarding the team with N100m cash.

Obaseki received the players and management team of the State’s female football club, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He was joined by his wife, Betsy; the Deputy Governor, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo and his wife, Sandra; the Governorship Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his wife; Permanent Secretaries and other top government functionaries, among others.

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The governor noted that the State is in a celebration mood as Edo will be celebrating its 33 years anniversary as a State tomorrow, adding that the trophy was a great way to celebrate with the people of the State.

According to him, “I am so glad and thank God that the works we have done in the last eight years are beginning to pay. When we came into office in 2016, nobody respected Edo women, nobody wanted to stay here in Edo State and the government didn’t care about the people.

“They failed to know that sports is the lifeline of Edo youths. I thank God we have changed the narrative and now Edo women are now African icons, and Edo Queens is West African Champions and will become African Champions.”

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He added, “I am here to say thank you and congratulate you for the achievement. I will not tell you what I will do if you bring the cup to Edo before I leave. But for this that you have done, the players, coaching crew, supporters club, I give you N100 million.”

On her part, the Edo First Lady congratulated the team for the victory and for conquering the West African region, noting, “In less than a year, you people made the top six in Nigeria, thanks to the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament. You won the national cup to represent Nigeria. You went and now you have conquered West Africa and have become West African champions.

“You have done Nigeria proud and we expect you to conquer Africa.”

Commending the governor for his government’s sustained investment in sports development, the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli noted, “We played five matches and never lost anyone and didn’t draw anyone. We scored 14 goals and conceded just one goal. The girls have done well.

Also, the team’s coach, Moses Aduku thanked the governor and his wife for the support they gave the team, adding, “This has translated to victory in West Africa.”