Edo Queens, the reigning champions of Nigeria, have set their sights on a successful campaign in the upcoming 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, which is scheduled to take place from November 8 to 23 in Morocco. Following the recent draw held at the Complex Mohamed VI in Salé, Morocco, the club expressed its determination to make a significant impact in the tournament. In a bold affirmation shared on their official X social media account, they proclaimed, “Challenge Accepted! We know our path, and now it’s time to own it! Ready to take on the continent at the CAF Women’s Champions League. As far as bringing it home.” This statement reflects their readiness to compete at the highest level against top teams from across Africa.
Edo Queens will compete in Group B of the tournament alongside formidable opponents including Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Tutankhamun of Egypt, and CBE of Ethiopia. This group promises to be competitive, as Sundowns are the defending champions and considered one of the strongest teams on the continent. In contrast, Group A features teams such as AS FAR from Morocco, Aigles De La Medina from Senegal, TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the University of Western Cape from South Africa. The tournament format, comprising two groups of four teams each, will lead to an exciting series of matches as the clubs vie for advancement to the knockout stages.
The overall structure of the CAF Women’s Champions League has proven instrumental in elevating women’s football across Africa since its inception. The inclusion of eight clubs in the tournament—six champions from CAF’s regional zonal competitions, the host club AS FAR, and the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns—ensures a diverse representation of talent and competitive spirit. Each participating team brings its unique strengths and styles, contributing to the overall quality of the tournament and providing an invaluable platform for players to showcase their talents on a grand stage.
In addition to the honor of competing for the title, significant financial incentives are at stake in the CAF Women’s Champions League. The winners of the tournament will receive a hefty prize of USD 400,000, while the runners-up will take home USD 250,000. These financial rewards not only serve as motivation for the teams but also reflect the growing investment in women’s football in Africa. This financial backing is crucial for clubs looking to develop their teams and support local talent, ultimately enhancing the overall standard of play in the continent.
The journey to the CAF Women’s Champions League involves rigorous qualification processes, with six zonal tournaments held earlier in the year to determine the participating clubs. The inclusion of the host nation and the titleholder ensures that the tournament features the very best football that the continent has to offer. As Edo Queens prepare for their matches, they are keenly aware of the strengths of their opponents and the importance of teamwork and strategy to succeed. Preparing for such a prestigious event requires not only tactical readiness but also mental fortitude and resilience in the face of challenging competition.
As the tournament approaches, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League continue to build. Edo Queens aim to capitalize on their previous experience and recent performances, including a third-place finish at the 2024 Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament, to propel them through the group stages and onto the knockout rounds. Their commitment to excellence and the aspiration to bring home the championship title resonates with supporters and signals their readiness to challenge for glory on the continental stage. The competition promises to be a showcase of skill and determination, with teams aiming not only for the ultimate prize but also for the opportunity to inspire future generations of female footballers in Africa.
