*Edo doles out cash reward to Edo Queens for Super 6 Qualification, charges team on continental glory*

The Edo State Government has doled out cash rewards to the State’s female football team, Edo Queens for clinching a spot in the Super Six tournament after finishing second in Group B of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).

The Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, during a reception organized to celebrate Edo Queens at the New Festival Hall, Government House in Benin City, disclosed the cash reward of N5 million to the team, commending them for their indomitable spirit and commitment to excellence.

Charging the team to continue on their impressive run at the Super 6 Tournament so as to secure a ticket for the continental championship, the first lady said, “I congratulate you and encourage you to do more and make us happy and proud.”

Commending the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for its commitment to sports development, she noted that “Sports is a serious business and the Edo State Government has hugely invested in it.

“In the past seven years, Governor Obaseki has reinvigorated sports in Edo State. It's only a visionary government that can revive sports and Obaseki did it. Edo State is no longer number one in human trafficking as our government has invested in sports to encourage our youths.

“Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance are now tops in the football league in the Country and the both clubs are doing well based on the commitment of the Edo State Government's investment in sports.”

The First Lady stated, “The Betsy Obaseki Football Tournament has helped our girls achieve so much thus far. I am happy and pray for the progress and success of the girls in the Super Six Tournament.”

She expressed confidence that the team will bring the Super Six laurel home to Edo State.

While congratulating the team, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins said, “I congratulate the team for the achievement. I thank you for this great achievement of playing in the Super 6 Tournament. Last week, I was at the Stadium to support Bendel Insurance as they were losing one nil but my presence encouraged the boys who later won the game by 2 goals to one.”

Assuring the continued support of the State Government, he added, "I will extend the same support for the girls to ensure they win the Super 6 and continue to do well in the female football league.”

On his part, Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha stated, “We are happy today because some years ago Governor Obaseki gave us a stadium in the State and we had fear that our clubs will be playing in the second division but the facilities encouraged us and today both Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance are playing in top division.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Chairman, Edo Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli; Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and Edo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Marvelous Omobayo Godwins, during a reception for Edo Queens for clinching a spot in the Super Six Tournament after finishing second in Group B of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), at the Government House, Benin City.