Edo Queens FC, Nigeria’s representative in this year’s CAF Women Champions League , has Canvassed for 12 teams in the competition through its coach, Moses Aduku, saying it will be more beneficial to expand the competition to 12 teams, Sports247 reports.
In an extensive interview with the Confederation of African Football, CAF official website, CAF Online, the coach spoke expansively on the ambition of Edo Queens who are participating for the first time in the competition.
Aduku says the CAF “Women Champions League should continue a priority for CAF ” for the Africa football body to cement the upward trajectory of women’s football on ther continent.
” I think the CAF Women’s Champions League should continue to be a priority. Initially, before its inception, players were competing without any real stakes after their national leagues concluded. Now, with the Champions League, there’s a significant incentive to win, as everyone aims to compete on the continental stage”,
‘ It would be beneficial to expand the number of participating teams. Currently, we have eight teams; increasing that to twelve would be a great improvement”. Aduku.explained.
The coach who said he was relying on the experience of Bayelsa United who finished in the Semi Final two years as his team prepared to go all out for the trophy and win for Nigeria for the first time.
Aduku says Nigeria being a giant on the continent in Women football puts them under high pressure and expectations but Edo Queens is well prepared for the task.
” The expectation is high since we have never won this title before, but we are committed to overcoming any pressure by focusing on our game plan and executing it well.”
” Definitely, everyone competing in the Champions League will feel the pressure, not just our team. Yes, we are giants of African football, but the reality is that matches are played over 90 minutes, and preparation is key. I am grateful to the Edo State government for facilitating our thorough preparation.” Aduku Emphasised
The competition pit seven Africa regional champions against each other including the host as all eight teams will fight for honours later in the year.
