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Moses Aduku: Edo Queens coach seeks expansion of CAF Women’s Champions League

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By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Edo Queens head coach Moses Aduku has called for an expansion of the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Since its inception in 2021, the tournament has been limited to eight teams, including regional champions from West Africa (WAFU-A and WAFU-B), Southern Africa (COSAFA), East Africa (CECAFA), North Africa (UNAF), and Central Africa (UNIFFAC), with the host nation also qualifying.

Aduku believes expanding the tournament would be a step in the right direction for the growth of women’s football in Africa, suggesting that increasing the number of teams from eight to twelve would provide more opportunities for women’s football across the continent.

“I think the CAF Women’s Champions League should continue to be a priority,” Aduku told CAFonline.com. “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.”

He added, “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.”

The coach also emphasized the importance of discipline on the field for teams participating in the tournament. “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.”

Since the tournament’s inception, Nigerian clubs have yet to secure the title, with the trophy rotating between teams from Southern and North Africa. Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (South Africa) have won two titles, in 2021 and 2023, while AS FAR FC (Morocco) clinched the 2022 edition. Aduku is determined to shift this trend with Edo Queens, having already set their sights on winning the trophy.

“Having reached this stage, we certainly don’t want to come back empty-handed,” Aduku said.

“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.”

Edo Queens will be aiming to secure Nigeria’s first title in the CAF Women’s Champions League, building on their success in the WAFU B qualifying tournament.