Emem Essien reveals motivation behind Edo Queens’ maiden league triumph

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Still basking in the euphoria of their maiden Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership title, Edo Queens star, Emem Essien has revealed her motivations behind a great season.

The Benin City-based side played out a 1-1 draw with Bayelsa Queens to secure their first-ever league title in Yenegoa on Sunday.

Another 1-1 draw between Rivers Angels and Heartland Queens confirmed Moses Aduku’s side as the 2023/2024 NWFL Premiership league winners to the delight of Essien.

“I want to give God the glory because it was not an easy task although I was actually out of control when Bayelsa Queens equalised the goal because I know we are on high tension,” Essien told NigeriaFootball.ng.

“It was a must-win game that we planned for and not a draw. We give God the glory because it’s God that did it.

“My driving force is to be the best player in the world and to be the highest goal scorer in any tournament. That’s what I am always fighting for.”

After a recent good run of always qualifying for the season-ending Super Six without a podium finish since 2021, fortune finally smiled on the Benin Arsenals.

The team finished second in Group B behind Rivers Angels during the regular season to qualify for the Super Six.

They will now focus on continental football starting with the West Zone B (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions League Qualifiers before the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League if they emerge as zonal champions.