‘Awa lokan’ – Edo Queens’ Moses Aduku and Osigwe Goodness set sights on maiden glory

Head coach of Edo Queens, Moses Aduku, is confident that his team’s time has come to win their maiden Nigeria Women Football League Premiership title on Sunday.

As the final matchday of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six approaches, all eyes are on the crucial clash between Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens in Yenagoa.

Aduku is no stranger to success, having previously led Bayelsa Queens to an epic domestic title in Benin City, the current home ground of Edo Queens, in 2022.

Additionally, the former international won the President Federation Cup with the Yenagoa-based side before making the switch to Edo Queens. With three South-South teams—Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, and Delta Queens—claiming the last three league titles, Aduku believes it’s now Edo Queens’ turn to shine.

“We are condemned to win on Sunday. I am from this state (Bayelsa State), and I believe all the other South-South teams have gone for the continent. Therefore, Edo, Awa lokan (it’s our turn),” Aduku told theNWFL.com.

“I want to thank God for today’s victory. Nasarawa Amazons is not a pushover. The first half was tight, but I told my girls in the second half that we needed this match, and my captain did the magic.”

Currently, Edo Queens sit atop the Super Six table with nine points, ahead of Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens, who they face on Sunday, Aduku hailed the support of Edo State government and pledges to bring home the coveted silverware.

“I believe Edo State is already in jubilation mode, but we will keep our jubilation for Sunday. The government has done a lot for this team. I must tell you the truth, this team is one of the most motivated. Honestly, the government has really done a lot for this team. Our payback is to give them the trophy,” he continued.

“90 more minutes will speak. I don’t like making bold predictions because I believe fate will determine it, but I trust that my players are ready. On Sunday, it is going to be a Cup final and the winners take it all.

“Definitely, we are going to come out smoking. This is not a league standard when you say home and away. It is one-off and we are good to go. We will wait for Sunday and see who will take the title.”

Edo Queens’ star player, Osigwe Goodness, who is also in the running for the highest goal scorer prize, is prioritizing the league title over individual accolades.

“When the first half ended, the coach reminded us about the reason why we are here. We did play badly in the first half but we couldn’t score. I believed that in the second half, we would definitely win and that was what happened,” she said.

“What is on my mind now is the trophy. However, the highest goal scorer is on my mind because it will be a big opportunity for me to experience that happiness. If the highest goal scorer award didn’t come, it might be the will of God, but the trophy will not slip from us if I miss out on the highest goal scorer.”

Edo Queens are determined to secure their maiden league title with a victory over Bayelsa Queens on Sunday, adding a dramatic finish to an already thrilling season.

Samuel Ahmadu, NWFL Media