Sports

Obaseki Hosts Victorious Edo Queens, Champions Of WAFU Zone B

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

Editor

…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.

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.”

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.”

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Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.