Nigerian champions Edo Queens got off to a flying start in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, defeating Ethiopian debutants CBE 3-0 in a Group B match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Emem Peace, Folashade Ijamilusi, and second-half replacement Goodness Osigwe all scored to help Moses Aduku’s side win.
Peace’s early goal gave the Nigeria Women Football League champions complete control of the game in just five minutes.
Their opponents, however, contained their firepower in the first 45 minutes, ensuring the Nigerians took a slim advantage into the break.
There was no stopping the WAFU B champions in the second half as Super Falcons striker Ijamilusi doubled the advantage 10 minutes after the restart.
Another Falcons star from the last friendlies against Algeria, Osigwe also came off the bench to add the third for Aduku’s side.
The comprehensive win propelled the Nigerian champions to the top of their group on goal difference ahead of another debutant, Masar FC of Egypt, who stunned defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in the group’s opening game.
The NWFL and WAFU B champions will square up against the Egyptians on Wednesday before tackling title holders Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on November 16 at the same venue.
Edo Queens are the third Nigerian team to feature in the tournament after Rivers Angels in 2021 and Bayelsa Queens in 2022, with the country’s highest finish being a third-place record by the latter.
While coach Aduku has stated their mission of becoming the first Nigerian team to win the title, Edo Queens are already guaranteed a handsome $150,000 participating fee and will scoop more money as they progress in the competition that will see the winner smile home with $600,000, runners-up $400,000, and third-placed $35,000 aside from other monetary incentives.
