Emem Essien upbeat about Edo Queens’ CAF Champions League chances

By Oluwaseun Oyediji Oluwaseun

Edo Queens forward Emem Essien is confident that the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Champions will successfully navigate Group B when the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League kicks off next month.

The Benin Arsenals, having claimed the West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) title, will face tough competition from holders Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (South Africa), FC Masar (Egypt), and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC.

Essien believes her Benin City-based side has the potential to progress, despite the formidable opponents they will encounter.

“To me, the draw is okay because we believe we will qualify in that group,” she stated.

She added that facing the defending champions provides an opportunity to elevate their game: “Having the champions in our group means we need to work harder. If we didn’t have them, the group might feel easier, but I truly believe we can qualify.”

The forward, who emerged as the top scorer in the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League, is eager to contribute more goals to help her team succeed.

“By the grace of God, I hope to improve on my performance in the WAFU-B and the league. I expect everyone to anticipate more from me, and with God’s help, I aim to score even more than I did in the WAFU-B,” she concluded.

This year has been particularly rewarding for coach Moses Aduku’s side, as they not only won their first Nigeria league title but also qualified for the CAF Women’s Champions League for the first time following their triumph in Côte d’Ivoire.

Edo Queens is determined to surpass the achievements of Bayelsa Queens, who claimed a bronze medal in 2022.