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

Johan Neeskens who scored the fast FIFA World Cup final goal has died. He achieved the feat in the 1974  final match when he converted a penalty kick for The Netherlands against West Germany after 90 seconds of kick-off.

At the time, no West German player had even touched the ball! Neeskens was a midfielder and was considered as one of the bests of his generation.

He died on Monday aged 73. His death was confirmed by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).

Neeskens fell ill while working with the KNVB’s World Coaches project, for which he was an ambassador, in Algeria. The cause of death has not yet been revealed.

“The world not only says goodbye to a gifted sportsman but above all, to a compassionate, driven and wonderful person,” the KNVB said.

He was part of the Dutch sides that lost the 1974 and 1978 World Cup finals and in 2004 was named one of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers by FIFA. He won 49 caps for his country.

A former box-to-box midfielder who was renowned for his stamina, grit and skill, Neeskens spent the majority of his playing career at Ajax Amsterdam, where he won the European Cup three seasons in a row between 1971-73, and at Barcelona, at both clubs alongside compatriot Johan Cruyff.

After retirement he was an assistant coach for the Dutch national team at the 1998 World Cup as they finished fourth, and later worked under Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona.

He also had a spell as head coach at South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, which was his final role in professional football and ended in 2012.

A battle of epic proportions is in the offing as Confederation Cup holders as well as Super Cup winners, Zamalek are drawn against Nigeria’s Enyimba in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The draw was made this Monday.  Several former champions, including USM Alger, Zamalek SC, and RS Berkane are involved in the group stage this year as they gear up for fierce competition.

The Egyptian side Zamalek were also placed in the same group as their compatriot Al Masry and Black Bulls in what promises to be an exciting Group D.

Zamalek SC are seeking to add another CAF Confederation Cup to their illustrious history, but face a tricky group.

Group B features former champions RS Berkane of Morocco, who will look to excel against Mali’s Stade Malien, CD Lundal Sul, and South African debutants Stellenbosch. 

Berkane are tipped by some as favourites to advance, but their challengers are determined to disrupt the status quo.

Group C includes former champions USM Alger from Algeria, who will battle ASEC Mimosas, ASC Jaraaf and Orapa United.

With USM Alger’s pedigree and ASEC’s ambition, this group is expected to deliver high-quality football with ASC Jaraaf and Orapa United proving to be no pushovers.

Group A is arguably the “Group of Death,” featuring Simba SC of Tanzania, CS Sfaxien from Tunisia, and Algerian powerhouses CS Constantine.

Angola’s Bravos do Maquis complete the group, but the focus will be on the heavyweight clashes among Simba, Sfaxien, and CS Constantine, all of whom have serious continental credentials.

The group stage kicks off in November, setting the stage for some of Africa’s biggest clubs to chase TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup glory.

Below are the groups

A: Simba SC, CS Sfaxien, CS Constantine, FC Bravos do Maquis

B: RS Berkane,  Stade Malien, Stellenbosch, CD Lundal Sul

C: USM Alger, ASEC Mimosas, ASC Jaraaf, Orapa United

 D: Zamalek SC, Al Masry, Enyimba, Black Bulls.