Edo Queens’ head coach, Moses Aduku, has openly articulated the team’s determination to win the CAF Women’s Champions League trophy as they embark on their journey in this prestigious tournament. In an interview with cafonline.com, Aduku expressed the aspirations of the Nigerian champions, emphasizing that their ambition extends beyond merely competing; they are focused on securing the championship. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, remarking on their approach to take each match one game at a time. Notably, under Aduku’s guidance, the team has recently achieved a significant milestone by winning the WAFU B competition, which has paved their way to participate in the Champions League.
Reflecting on their success in the WAFU B competition, Aduku depicted the journey as both challenging and rewarding. He described the experience as “wonderful,” highlighting that it was their debut in the tournament and that they were not merely participants but expected to contend for victory. The coach discussed the importance of viewing every match as a crucial moment, treating each battle with the seriousness it deserved. Their journey included vital wins against teams from Niger, Ghana, and Burkina Faso, culminating in a semi-final triumph over the host nation and a resounding victory in the final against Benin. Aduku credited the team’s strong performance to their rigorous training and the players’ willingness to put in the necessary effort.
As the team approaches the CAF Champions League, Aduku’s optimism remains unwavering. He stresses that the expectation is to emerge victorious, and the team’s preparations have been underway since their qualification. The coach praised the support from the Edo State government, acknowledging that the resources provided have allowed them to shift to a more focused training regimen aimed at the Champions League. Aduku is clear that the strategy involves building on their recent successes and maintaining their momentum through a collective team effort rather than focusing solely on individual accolades.
However, Aduku is fully aware of the added pressure that comes with competing in the Champions League. He pointed out that all teams face their own pressures in this high-stakes environment. While Edo Queens has a strong reputation in African football, he emphasized that matches are ultimately decided over 90 minutes and that meticulous preparation is the cornerstone of any successful campaign. The coach expresses gratitude towards the Edo State government’s support, understanding the expectations tied to their title aspirations, especially as the team has not yet claimed this championship.
The lessons learned from past experiences in the competition are not lost on Aduku. He noted the performance of Bayelsa Queens, who previously reached the semi-finals but were undone by missed opportunities. Aduku intends to leverage these lessons to enhance his team’s strategy, underscoring the importance of capitalizing on chances during critical moments of each match. The head coach believes that the growth of women’s football in Africa presents both a challenge and an opportunity for his team, as they seek to contribute to raising the standards of the game while striving for success on the continental stage.
In summary, coach Moses Aduku is steering Edo Queens toward a formidable campaign in the CAF Women’s Champions League, driven by aspirations of victory and a comprehensive approach to preparation. Their recent success in the WAFU B competition cements their growing prowess in women’s football, while the lessons learned from past competitors shape their strategy moving forward. With a focus on team unity and resilience, Aduku remains steadfast in his belief that they can overcome the pressures of high-stakes competition to achieve their long-cherished goal of lifting the prestigious trophy. The support of the Edo State government and the commitment of the players signal a promising journey ahead for Edo Queens as they set out to make their mark in African football history.
