Edo Queens’ title triumph a collective success story – ESSC Director, Mrs Chikere

By Maxwell Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel 

 

 

Edo Queens’ successful capture of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership title has been described as a collective achievement and a powerful lesson in determination, teamwork and resilience by the Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations of the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabrina Chikere.

The Benin-based side secured their second NWFL crown after battling to 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 clinch the title, Edo Queens executed their strategy with discipline and composure to finish top of the standings with 10 points, two ahead of Bayelsa Queens.

Reacting to the achievement, Chikere stressed that the triumph belonged to everyone connected with the team and the sports commission.

"It's all of us," she said, describing the title as a victory built on unity and collective effort.

The ESSC executive praised the players for showing character after a difficult start to the playoffs, noting that their refusal to give up ultimately paved the way for success.

"They were there, they were there together. They conquered together, we achieved it together. It's just teamwork that made them win. After the first match, they picked up. They didn't relent. They didn't feel like, 'Oh, we have lost it.' No."

"After the first match they picked up and started all over and that's the outcome we have seen. Because if they were down that first time they wouldn't have been able to, but they summoned up courage and got it."

Using Edo Queens' achievement as an example, Chikere delivered an inspiring message to young girls across the country, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions regardless of obstacles.

"As a girl, as long as you put your mind to it, you can do it. Life is achievable for everybody, irrespective of your sex. For a woman, once you put your mind to it, you can do it. Edo Queens just did it. It's teamwork, selflessness, determination."

She added: "So my message for the girl child is anything you're doing in life, be determined, work towards it, work for it and you will get it."

Chikere also reserved special praise for the Edo State Government and the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, for creating an enabling environment that has helped the team thrive.

"We keep thanking the State Government for their support, their unwavering support and then to the Chairman of the Sports Commission."

"He is a young man and he has brought that youthfulness into the Sports Commission. We can see the dividends of it, we are moving, so I give kudos to him."

She further commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his commitment to sports development.

"I give kudos to the State Government, to our Governor His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo for his steadfastness, for his trust and belief in us. He has always been behind us and success has been our story."

"To the Chairman, let him keep doing what he is doing. Because he has really brought life again into the Sports Commission."

Edo Queens' title-winning campaign also saw head coach Moses Aduku make history as the first manager to win three NWFL Premiership titles in six seasons, having previously guided Bayelsa Queens to the crown in 2022 before leading Edo Queens to triumphs in 2024 and 2026.

The champions will now turn their attention to the WAFU-B Women's Champions League qualifiers in Burkina Faso from August 13 to September 5, where they will seek a place in the CAF Women's Champions League and keep alive their dream of reaching the FIFA Women's Club World Cup.