CAF Champions League: Okpebholo urges Edo Queens to defeat Mamelodi Sundowns, bring cup home

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged Edo Queens FC to defeat South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in their final group stage match at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League in Casablanca, Morocco, and bring home the trophy.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 15, 2024, Governor Okpebholo praised the team for their impressive performance so far in the competition and urged them to beat the South African side to secure a place in the semifinals and top Group B.

“We are solidly behind them,” the governor said, expressing the new administration’s full support for the team. “The girls might be worried about the change in leadership, but I want them to know that we are with them. We are aware of their achievements and are very proud of them. My message to Edo Queens is that they have nothing to worry about. We want them to beat Sundowns tomorrow and win for us.”

Okpebholo also assured the team that his government is committed to prioritizing sports development in the state. “Go ahead to also win the cup and bring it to your fatherland,” he added.

Edo Queens, the Nigeria Women Premier League champions, have been performing well in the tournament. They began their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, with goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Goodness Osigwe. Their second match, however, ended in a 0-0 draw against Masar FC of Egypt, leaving them at the top of Group B. A draw in their final match against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, November 16, 2024, will be enough to see them qualify for the semifinals.

The highly anticipated match is set to kick off at 6:00 PM local time in Casablanca.