Champion League
2024 CAF Women’s Champions League: Moses Aduku expects interesting clash with Sundowns
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The head coach of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership champions, Edo Queens’ Moses Aduku, says their Group B decider against holders Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will be an exciting game.
The winner’s take-all clash will rekindle the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa at the CAF Women’s Champions League.
For the third time in the four-year-old tournament, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will face another Nigerian team to continue their dominance over the West African teams.
“On tomorrow’s game, it is going to be interesting because the winner takes it all,” Aduku said during the pre-match press conference.
“We are looking forward to the game. It is going to be a very difficult game but I believe at the end, we will smile.”
The Benin City-based side has their destiny in their hands, with a draw enough to ensure their passage to the semi-final during their maiden appearance in the competition.
A draw or win for Edo Queens will ensure the elimination of Sundowns Ladies from the group stage for the first time after reaching the final in previous three editions including winning the title on two occasions.
“We don’t need to talk much on this game but I know it is going to be a very tough game and difficult,” Aduku added.
“Defending champion. They are no pushovers. Likewise, we have watched them, and they have watched us. 90 minutes will decide who wins the game.
“Satisfied without the trophy is not good enough but every game is not bad. I will be satisfied when we win the trophy. Without the trophy as a coach, I am not satisfied but we go for another battle on the 16th against the defending champions. I think we can make it.”
Finishing second in Group B can put the Nigerian champions against host AS FAR in the semi-final, a repeat of a 1-0 win for the Moroccan side over Bayelsa Queens in 2022 last four.
“As a coach, I can not concentrate on the other group, but the two groups are strong. The eight teams here are all champions. All the two groups are very good and strong.
“To be precise, the more determined team will carry the day because I know it is going to be like a final. The team that is more determined and tactical will carry the day.” He concluded.
