Ohis Asein
Fresh from leading Edo Queens to the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership title, Chairman of Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance Football Club, who is also the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, has declared that winning trophies alone is no longer enough for the club.
Speaking shortly after Edo Queens were crowned champions following their successful Super Six campaign in Port Harcourt, Tenebe revealed an ambitious vision aimed at transforming the club into a model women’s football institution that can compete with the best on the African continent and eventually gain global recognition. Edo Queens secured the title after finishing top of the Super Six standings, earning their second NWFL crown in
According to Tenebe, the latest triumph is only the beginning of a bigger journey.
“We have won the trophy, and we thank God for this achievement. But beyond winning trophies, my dream is to remodel Edo Queens into an international-standard football club that can compete favorably anywhere in Africa and the world,” he said.
The Edo Queens chairman noted that the success of the team is a reflection of the commitment of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration towards sports development in Edo State. He praised the players, coaches, supporters, management, and the Edo State Sports Commission led by Amadin Desmond Enabulele who’s doing a great Job for their collective efforts in ensuring the club reclaimed the league title.
Tenebe stressed that the future plans for Edo Queens would go beyond activities on the pitch. He disclosed that attention would be given to improved infrastructure, enhanced welfare packages for players and officials, modern administrative structures, youth development programs, sports science, media visibility, and strategic partnerships capable of attracting international opportunities.
The APC chairman explained that women’s football is growing rapidly across the world and Edo Queens must position themselves among the elite clubs on the continent.
“Edo Queens have shown they can become champions. The next step is to build a structure that will make the club a reference point in Africa. We want a club that young girls across Nigeria will dream of playing for. We want a club that will attract sponsors, international partnerships, and represent Nigeria proudly in continental competitions,” he stated.
Tenebe further commended the technical crew led by Coach Moses Aduku for guiding the team through a difficult season that saw them recover from early setbacks to eventually emerge champions. Edo Queens finished strongly in the Super Six, recording crucial victories before holding Bayelsa Queens to a decisive draw on the final day to lift the title.
He also reserved special praise for the players whose dedication and resilience helped the team achieve success despite intense competition from fellow title contenders.
The Edo Queens boss assured supporters that the club’s management would not rest on its laurels but would immediately begin preparations for future assignments, including continental competitions where the club will once again carry Nigeria’s flag. Edo Queens’ league triumph has earned them the opportunity to represent Nigeria in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers with hopes of securing a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
As celebrations continue across Edo State, Tenebe’s message is clear: the trophy is a major achievement, but the ultimate goal is to build an enduring football institution that will stand shoulder to shoulder with the biggest women’s clubs in Africa.
For Edo Queens, the championship may have been won in Port Harcourt, but a new era of growth and transformation may just be beginning. 🏆⚽
