Wafu B Champions League: Benson Expects Edo Queens Triumph

By Saheed Afolabi

Edo Queens assistant coach Gabriel Benson is confident of his side taking their chances of winning the regional Wafu B which serves as the qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership champions face AS Garde Nationale of Niger in their Group B opener on Monday, August 23 at Stade 4 Août in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Speaking after Sunday evening’s training session, Benson made clear the team’s mindset of seeking victory due to the mandate of representing Nigeria.

“The girls are ready and good to go. They know the opportunity laid before them. They also know that they are representing Edo State and Nigeria at large. I know they are ready to fight to the end to win our first game and the WAFU-B trophy. We are here for real business. We are playing our first match tomorrow against AS Garde Nationale of Niger. We dream nothing but total victory.”

Benson is convinced that the players have acclimatized having arrived Burkina Faso early enough to have a smooth run in the competition.

“We came here on time and our players are acclimatizing well. Concerning the weather, there is a little difference. I find that this place is hotter than Nigeria. We are doing all that is needed to ensure we have a smooth run in this WAFU-B play-off.”

He acknowledged the strength of the group but insisted there is no fear among the squad as they are motivated enough to get the job done.

“We have come to play against anybody here, knowing that the group we are placed in has three former champions. We are not scared. It is a tough group, no doubt. AS Garde Nationale is the only team new to us in Group B. We are prepared and it is one game at a time.”

Edo Queens initially won the Wafu B regional qualification tournament in 2024 while they went on to reach the CAF Women’s Champions League semifinal under coach Moses Aduku.