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.

Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze were among early birds to the Super Eagles’ camp on Monday in Coted’Ivoire, ahead of preparation for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six other players,  Amas Obasogie,Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Gabriel Osho and
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also arrived Abidjan on Monday.

The Super Eagles Media Officer who confirmed the report to NAN on Monday, said no fewer than eight players had arrived, adding that some others were still been expected on Tuesday.

Captain William Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Simon, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and 19 other players were invited for the qualifier.

The Super Eagles will seek for six points against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the closing rounds of the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign this month.

The team’s camp opened officially on Monday in Abidjan ahead of the their confrontation with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday.

The Super Eagles are expected to travel down to Uyo on Friday ahead of their final qualifying game against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday.

The Super Eagles who are currently top of their Group D,  will be certain of a place in the final tournament if they get a point against the Cheetahs, which will take then to 11 points, and with only final-day opponents Rwanda capable of catching up with them on points.

However, with a current tally of seven goals for and none against (following the CAF Disciplinary Board’s award of three points and three goals for the botched Matchday 4 encounter against Libya), the Super Eagles stand head and shoulders above the Amavubi.

The Rwandans have one-goal deficit and five points in their favour going into the final two matchdays