Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has hailed the State’s female football team, Edo Queens, for their  3-0 victory over   CBE FC of Ethiopia in the CAF Women’s Champions League in Casablanca, Morocco.

In a statement in Benin on Monday, Obaseki celebrated the Nigeria Women’s Football League champions for their doggedness and brilliant play during the game.

“I heartily congratulate our darling ladies for their superlative start of the CAF Women’s Champions League campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over the CBE FC of Ethiopia.

“The team has continued in their brilliant form with their impressive performance, dominating the field of play throughout the 90 minutes of regular time to secure the top spot of the championship.

“They have given a good account of themselves and have kept to their promise of making us proud.

“We wish them success as they continue on their impressive run in the championship and are confident that they will bring the laurel home. Congratulations, champs!,”  Obaseki said.

Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District has pledged to change the face of sports by giving priority to grassroots sports development in Ekiti.

The Senate Leader gave the assurance while speaking at the opening ceremony of the second edition of the MOB Unity Cup organised among football teams in his senatorial district.

The senator who was represented by one of his legislative aides, Mr Gbenga Banji said it is time for individuals, corporate bodies and philanthropists to support government in developing sports.

He described sports as one of the most lucrative ventures all over the world, while stressing the need for Ekiti to take its rightful place in the world of sports.

Bamidele promised continued support to the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji in his quest to transform sports development in Ekiti.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sen. Bamidele is currently constructing six standard stadia across Ekiti Central Senatorial District to promote grassroots sports.

In the opening match of the competition played at Christ’s School Football field in Ado-Ekiti, Harmony Football Club defeated Eleven Lions FC 7-6 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw during regular time.

Other results of matches played at the Ijero-Ekiti stadium in the week 1 fixture of the competition (female category) include: Alara Queens 2-0 Wisdom Queens, while Wisdom FC defeated Teniola FC 1-0 at the Ijero-Ekiti stadium, Ijero United 3-0 Ultimate FC.

NAN reports that group matches are on-going in all the five local government councils in the senatorial district.

The local government councils in the senatorial district include; Ado, Irepodun/ Ifelodun, Ekiti West, Efon and Ijero.

Yemi Olanrewaju, Enyimba International Football Club’s Chief Coach, on Monday in Aba described his team as the best in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Olanrewaju said this was in view of their achievement in the league over the years.

“In spite of the poor result of today (Sunday), we are still among the top four in the league and we are also still competing in the CAF competition,” he said.

“We lost most of our key players last season and, in spite of that, we are still competing the way we are doing presently against the big teams in the league.

“Definitely, we are top there as the best,” Olanrewaju added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Enyimba drew goalless on Sunday with new league leaders Remo Stars FC of Ikenne in their match day 11 fixture in Aba.

The coach said he was therefore confident that his team would finish the ongoing NPFL well in spite of their recent challenges.

“Though we have lost a couple of home and away matches this season, the players will brace up to the challenge and do better and not want to lose another game.

“More special to us is the oriental derby against Abia Warriors in Umuahia on Sunday, and we will surely overcome,” the coach said.

Olanrewaju also expressed confidence that his team would do better than before in the ongoing 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup competition, being the only Nigerian team still in the contest.

“Enyimba remain the only Nigerian team in the continent and we are going to work on our midfield because we can do better in the final third for the goals to come,” he said.

NAN reports that Enyimba are third on the league table in spite of the goalless draw with Remo Stars on Sunday, with 21 points after 11 games.