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Edo Queens Coach Aduku: CAF Women’s Champions League will be tough
As the excitement builds for the CAF Women’s Champions League, CAFOnline.com sits down for an exclusive interview with coach of Nigerian side Edo Queens as they prepare to play in the competition.
After their impressive victory in the WAFU B competition, which secured their qualification for the prestigious tournament, the coach Moses Aduku shares his thoughts on the team’s journey, aspirations, and the growing standard of women’s football in Africa.
This interview with coach Aduku also highlights the team’s commitment as they prepare to represent Nigeria in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Edo Queens aim not only to compete but to make their mark in this prestigious tournament with a fierce determination to lift the trophy.
How difficult was it in winning the WAFU B women’s competition in Cote d’Ivoire that secured your qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League?
Moses Aduku: It was a wonderful competition. It was our first time participating, and we approached it believing that we were not just there to compete but also to see if we could win the competition. Every game felt like a cup final.
My players were on top of their game. We treated every match as crucial. We started with a victory against the Niger team, winning 1-0, followed by a 3-0 win against the team from Ghana. Then we faced Burkina Faso’s team, which ended in a 1-0 victory for us. This success came not just from winning, but from understanding the importance of why we were in Côte d’Ivoire. We seized our opportunities and managed to defeat the host team in the semi-finals, winning 2-1, and then secured a 3-0 victory in the final against the team from the Republic of Benin.
The road was not easy, but hard work pays off. My players were ready to put in the effort. We had intensive training sessions and played friendly matches to shape the team. So it was challenging, but we are grateful to be representing West Africa.
Now that you’ve qualified, what do you hope to achieve in the Women’s Champions League?
Moses Aduku: Having reached this stage, we certainly don’t want to come back empty-handed. Our preparations have already started since the day we qualified. We are thankful to the Edo State government for providing us with the resources to move from our regular camp into a more focused training environment for the Champions League. It’s going to be tough, but just as we succeeded in WAFU B, we plan to take it one game at a time and push hard to bring home the trophy.
Which Edo Queens player should the whole of Africa look out for during the Champions League?
Moses Aduku: For me, I believe our strength lies in the team as a whole rather than focusing on individual players. Fans should watch out for our entire squad.
What do you think Africa must continue to do to further cement the upward trajectory of women’s football on the continent?
Moses Aduku: 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. Moreover, we must ensure that our teams remain disciplined on the field, keeping our shape when we have and lose the ball while minimizing unnecessary fouls. Maintaining this discipline, along with our scoring mentality, is crucial as we move forward.
Nigeria has a strong legacy in African women’s football, which brings high expectations. Does this put pressure on you and your team?
Moses Aduku: 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. 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.
Can Edo Queens perform better than previous Nigerian teams in the CAF Women’s Champions League?
Moses Aduku: Lessons can be learned from those who have represented us in the past. For instance, Bayelsa Queens, who reached the semifinals, played well but missed key opportunities. We aim to capitalize on those lessons and take our chances.
What personal achievements do you hope to accomplish at the tournament?
Moses Aduku: We aim for nothing less than lifting the trophy. That is our desire. We know it won’t be easy, but we are focused on taking it one game at a time.
How will participating in the Champions League impact your career?
Moses Aduku: This is a significant platform. It is the highest level of club competition in Africa, which will undoubtedly enhance my CV. Therefore, it is essential that each of us, including the players, performs at our best.
What is your perspective on the standard of women’s football in Africa?
Moses Aduku: Women’s football in Africa is growing tremendously. No team is a pushover anymore.
Lastly, what message do you have for Edo Queens fans and Nigerian supporters?
Moses Aduku: I urge our fans to pray for us and expect great performances from the team.
-CAF
Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD had targeted their Group F opener as their best chance to get a win on the board at the Club World Cup, with Brazil’s Fluminense and German side Borussia Dortmund expected to advance from Group F.
South Africa’s Sundowns took all three points with a 1-0 win over the South Koreans and went top of the group after Fluminense drew 0-0 with Dortmund.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
African and Asian teams are not expected to make much of an impact at the new-look 32-team Club World Cup so points are like gold dust for the likes of the Sundowns and Ulsan.
KEY QUOTES
Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns coach: “We prepared tactically and strategically very well, and then we found a commitment between everybody. I think it was clear we made a very wonderful first half. It was important that we could keep the pace and not stray from the game plan in the second half, so that we could score a second goal that for little details or little centimetres, we could not do.”
Kim Pan-gon, Ulsan HD head coach: “We had targeted this game to win because we understand the other two teams in the group, Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund, are favourites. Our players gave their best efforts in this game and we’re very proud of their efforts. Now we need to recover quickly for the next game.”
-Reuters
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With a year until Mexico makes history as the first three-time World Cup host, the dream of a spectacular showcase is colliding with the practical challenges of modernising the iconic Azteca Stadium for global soccer’s premier event.
Beneath the imposing silhouette of Mexico’s football cathedral – where Pele dazzled with Brazil in 1970 and Maradona’s ‘hand of God’ propelled Argentina to glory in 1986 – construction crews tackle the formidable task of bringing one of the sport’s most storied venues into the 21st century.
The stakes are magnified as the ‘Santa Ursula colossus’ will host the tournament’s opening match, a global spectacle that will focus the world’s attention on Mexico from day one.
Renovations will expand the stadium’s capacity from 87,000 to 90,000, with upgrades centred on meeting FIFA standards through new changing rooms, enhanced hospitality zones, revamped VIP areas and additional seating in spaces previously occupied by boxes and lounges.
While government officials and football administrators envisioned the project as a symbol of national pride, the renovation process has eroded trust between developers, local residents and other stakeholders.
Stadium administrators announced in February that they had secured a 2.1 billion peso ($110.19 million) credit line from local financial group Banorte – along with a controversial new name: Estadio Banorte.
FIFA regulations mean the stadium will be referred to as “Estadio Ciudad de Mexico” during the World Cup, yet the rebranding has sparked a fierce backlash from some fans, who view it as sacrificing football heritage for commercial interests.
HARSH REALITY
The backlash over the stadium’s new name represents only one facet of the mounting tensions. Box and suite holders – some with relationships spanning decades – have threatened legal action after FIFA announced it would commandeer their seats during the tournament, overriding established contracts.
One member of the Mexican Association of Box Holders has already filed a legal challenge to defend access rights.
Beyond the stadium walls, frustration runs equally deep. Residents of Santa Ursula and surrounding neighbourhoods fear that promised infrastructure improvements like pedestrian bridges and transit lines will fail to address fundamental issues including inadequate lighting, water shortages and persistent traffic congestion.
“We’re not the stadium’s backyard,” one local resident told Expansion Politica. “But we’re always treated that way.”
By contrast, Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico’s other two host cities, face fewer obstacles.
Guadalajara’s 48,000-seat stadium, opened in 2010, has already hosted major events including the 2011 Pan American Games, while Monterrey’s 53,500-capacity venue, inaugurated in 2015, needs only minor upgrades – primarily new turf and a pitch ventilation system.
“We’ll install a system to ventilate and oxygenate the pitch before replacing the grass,” said Alejandro Hutt, Monterrey’s Host City Manager. “That will be an important legacy from the World Cup and beyond.”
As construction continues, Javier Aguirre’s Mexico squad are building towards a crucial summer, with a Gold Cup title defence ahead and friendly matches against Turkey this week, followed by Japan and South Korea in September.
After failing to advance beyond the group stage at Qatar 2022 – their worst World Cup performance since 1978 – Mexican fans crave more than just a well organised tournament. They want to see Mexico break the ‘fifth-game‘ curse and reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986, the last time they were World Cup hosts.
-Reuters
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All contenders are now known for this year’s President Federation Cup grand finale, following Saturday’s elimination of Edo Queens and Ibom Angels in the women’s semi-finals.
Multiple-winners Rivers Angels saw off the stiff challenge of Ibom Angels of Uyo 1-0 in Aba, while Nasarawa Amazons bumped Edo Queens 2-0 in Ayingba.
Cup holders Rivers Angels, who have won the competition nine times, will have their hands full against 2005 and 2019 champions Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia.
In the men’s competition, Abakaliki FC of Ebonyi are getting set to tackle Kwara United FC in the final.
Results of Semi Finals (Women)
- Rivers Angels (Rivers) 1-0 Ibom Angels (Akwa Ibom)
- Edo Queens (Edo) 0-2 Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa)
Results of Semi-Finals (Men)
- Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi) 0-0 Ikorodu City (Lagos) – Abakaliki FC win 5-4 on penalties
- Kwara United (Kwara) 1-0 Rangers Int’l (Enugu)
WOMEN’S FINAL
- Rivers Angels vs Nasarawa Amazons
MEN’S FINAL
- Abakaliki FC VS Kwara United
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