Nigerian champions Edo Queens go top of South African and Egyptian clubs with win over Ethiopia’s CBE

Edo Queens began their CAF Women’s Champions League journey with a convincing 3-0 victory over Ethiopian side Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) on Sunday in Casablanca, Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

In what was their maiden appearance in the competition, the Nigerian champions secured a memorable Group B victory at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium courtesy of goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Chukwuamaka Osigwe.

Edo Queens, champions of both the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and WAFU Zone B, asserted their dominance early in the match.

Emem Essien opened the scoring just five minutes in, expertly converting a well-crafted play to give her team a crucial lead.

CBE managed to contain Edo Queens’ attacks through the first half, limiting the Nigerians to a single goal by halftime.

The second half, however, saw Edo Queens unleash more offensive power.

Super Falcons forward Folashade Ijamilusi doubled their advantage in the 54th minute, capitalising on a smooth interplay with Esther Moses.

Seventeen-year-old substitute Chukwuamaka Osigwe capped the performance with a spectacular strike in the 80th minute, sealing the 3-0 victory and placing Edo Queens atop Group B. 

This comprehensive win propelled Edo Queens to first place in their group, thanks to a superior goal difference over FC Masar of Egypt, who managed a 1-0 upset against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

The next Geoup B test for Edo Queens will be on Wednesday against FC Masar, followed by a match against the South African title holders on November 16.

Edo Queens are only the third Nigerian club to participate in this tournament, following Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens, the latter of which achieved a third-place finish in 2022.

Coach Moses Aduku’s squad now aims to surpass this record and bring home the championship trophy for Nigeria.