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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
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Morocco Handed Boost as Brazil Lose Only Specialist Right Back Ahead of World Cup Clash
Morocco have received an early boost ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener against Brazil after the South Americans lost their only specialist right back, Wesley, to injury.
The AS Roma defender was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a left thigh muscle injury during Brazil’s 2-1 international friendly victory over Egypt in Cleveland on Saturday.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Sunday that medical examinations revealed damage to the adductor muscle in Wesley’s left thigh, forcing him to withdraw from Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man World Cup squad.
His absence leaves Brazil with a significant selection headache ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Morocco. Wesley was the only natural right back in the squad, meaning Ancelotti may now have to rely on makeshift options such as versatile defenders Danilo and Ibanez to fill the position.
“The MRI scan revealed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh,” the CBF said in a statement.
“The CBF regrets the injury. Wesley is a player much loved by the squad and will always be considered part of this team as it seeks to win its sixth World Cup title.”
Brazil have moved quickly to replace the injured defender, calling up Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is expected to join the squad in the United States on Monday.
For Morocco, the development could offer a tactical advantage as the Atlas Lions prepare to face the five-time world champions in what is expected to be one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the group stage.
The North Africans, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and continue to be regarded as one of the strongest teams outside Europe and South America, will be looking to exploit any defensive uncertainty on Brazil’s right flank.
Brazil, chasing a record-extending sixth World Cup title, are grouped alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C. The opening encounter between Morocco and Brazil is expected to play a key role in determining the eventual group winner.
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Algeria have extended the contract of national team coach Vladimir Petkovic and his technical staff until 2028, the country’s football federation said on Sunday, days before the World Cup in North America, with his previous deal due to expire immediately after the tournament.
Petkovic, who took charge in February 2024, has overseen a strong turnaround, leading Algeria to 21 wins, four draws and three defeats in 28 matches and guiding the team to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, after their absence from the 2018 and 2022 editions.
Algeria also reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after consecutive group-stage exits in 2021 and 2023, while climbing from 43rd to 28th in the FIFA world rankings and from seventh to fourth in Africa during the Bosnian’s tenure.
The federation said the extension reflected “stability and confidence in the work accomplished”, with Algeria set to open their World Cup Group J campaign against Argentina on June 17 before facing Jordan and Austria.
-Reuters
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Multi-champions Brazil, Argentina and Germany all won their preparatory games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, although by small margins, with former champion England and hopeful Portugal also securing victories.
The busy day of friendlies saw some of the biggest stars on display, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Vini Jr and Mohamed Salah playing, but three-time champion Argentina opted to rest Lionel Messi against Honduras in Texas in a game where forward Lautaro Martinez shone with a goal and one assist for a 2-0 win. Simeone scored the second for Argentina.
Five-time champion Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes scoring early from inside the box and Lyon forward Endrick adding in the second half after an assist from Barcelona’s Raphinha. Zico scored for Egypt, while Salah played the first half and seemed to be in good form.
There was some drama with Brazil and AS Roma right back Wesley leaving the field in tears after what appeared to be a serious muscle injury in the left leg, which might take him out of the World Cup. Teams can change players up to one day before their first games.
Harry Kane’s first-half header earned England a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Tampa, while there were also victories for Scotland and Belgium as teams fine-tune ahead of the tournament’s kickoff next week.
With England manager Thomas Tuchel rotating his entire team at halftime and handing minutes to 22 players in the scorching 32-degree Celsius (90-degree Fahrenheit) heat, the result was secondary to the process.
But Kane’s clinical finish with a glancing header into the bottom corner from Djed Spence’s cross offered a timely reminder of the skipper’s importance to their hopes of winning a second Cup.
Four-time world champions Germany secured a ninth win in a row with a 2-1 victory over World Cup co-hosts the United States in Chicago.
Germany’s Kai Havertz (left) challenges United States captain Tyler Adams during the international friendly match between the USA and Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on June 6, 2026. Photo: Talia Sprague/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters.
Kai Havertz headed in Joshua Kimmich’s free kick to give them a second-minute lead, but the Americans snatched a stunning equaliser when Antonee Robinson thundered in a volley after defender Jonathan Tah had headed away a corner.
But Leroy Sane rifled in from 12 metres to restore Germany’s lead in the 57th minute.
Portugal defeated Chile 2-1 in an ill-tempered clash in Oeiras, where both teams finished with 10 men as Rafael Leao and Ivan Roman received their marching orders.
Goncalo Guedes gave the home side the lead before Bruno Fernandes added a second from outside the box. Lucas Cepeda scored a late consolation for Chile.
“We were superior in the 90 minutes, we managed to control the game very well, especially having a lot of the ball in the last third,” Fernandes told RTP.
Striker Romelu Lukaku continued his comeback from injury for Belgium with 25 minutes off the bench as they enjoyed a 5-0 victory over 10-man Tunisia in Brussels.
Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin scored the goals as Lukaku grabbed an assist.
“We wanted a good performance in front of our fans,” Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said. “It is a good preparation for the World Cup, we know this team can do great things.”
A much-changed Scotland scored all their goals in the first half as they romped to a 4-0 success over Bolivia in New Jersey.
Che Adams bagged two to go with strikes from Lawrence Shankland and Scott McTominay in an impressive performance.
Switzerland and Australia drew 1-1, while Bosnia and Herzegovina were held to the same scoreline by Panama.
-Reuters
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