Following the sudden ouster of the highly rated Edo Queens Football Club of Benin from the ongoing Nigeria Women Football League NWFL Super Six in Asaba, the head coach of the team, Moses Aduku, has apologized to the government and the entire people of Edo State over the failure of the team to deliver.
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According to him:” First and foremost, I must tender an apology to the State government and the entire sports-loving people of Edo State over the team’s inability to reach the finals of this prestigious championship. It is highly regrettable and I take responsibility for it. I’m indeed very very sorry, I can’t just explain what really transpired, it is just unfortunate that it went this way.”
“As the head coach of the team, I feel more pain than any other person. This was not what we expected. I’m really in love with Edo State. Edo State government is highly responsible and supportive, particularly His Excellency Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, his love for sports in Nigeria is superb. If you ask my opinion, I would say he should be appointed as the Sports Minister. His passion for Sports is great. He has done a lot for sports in Edo State. If we have persons like him that are saddled with the responsibility of taking Nigeria sports to the peak, Nigerians will rule the world in sports.”
“Now that is over for us in Super Six we would go back and work on our mistakes I know next season would be better for us. It was a great experience, but all the same, I thank the Edo State government for the opportunity I promise that it will be better next season. They just have to be patient with me. All the same, we thank God for everything.”
“It is actually devastating and frustrating that Edo Queens FC has nothing to show to give back to the government for all their efforts and commitment to the club”.
For Edo Queens, they were the most prepared NWFL club side for this Super Six championship and one of the best-managed Women’s Football Clubs in the land. The commitment of the State government is total, the only women’s team that travels by air for match engagements. Edo Queens did excellently well in the immediate past league season. For the past four football seasons, they have participated in all pre-season tournaments organized for Women’s Football in Nigeria.
They have gotten to the Federation Cup Semifinal twice, won the maiden edition of Sheroes Cup in 2019, and in 2021/22, they got to the finals and lost to FC Robo and Delta in the finals.
Though unhappy with their performance in the 2023 Super Six, football fans see Edo Queens as the women’s team of the future.
Once again, I want to appeal to the Governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Edo State Sports Commission Chairman Yusuf Ali, Permanent Secretary Edo State Sports Commission Madam Sabina Chikere, and all Edo State people to find a place in their hearts to forgive me and my team. By the special grace of God we would change the narratives come next season.”
