Sports
‘Awa Lokan’ – Edo Queens’ Moses Aduku, Osigwe Goodness Set Sights On Maiden Glory
Head coach of Edo Queens, Moses Aduku, is confident that his team’s time has come to win their maiden Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership title on Sunday.
As the final matchday of the 2023/2024 NWFL Premiership Super Six at hand, all eyes would be on the crucial clash between Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens in Yenagoa.
Aduku is no stranger to success, having previously led Bayelsa Queens to an epic domestic title in Benin City, the current home ground of Edo Queens, in 2022.
Additionally, the former international won the President’s Federation Cup with the Yenagoa-based side before making the switch to Edo Queens.
However, with three South-South teams—Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, and Delta Queens—claiming the last three league titles, Aduku believes it’s now Edo Queens’ turn to shine.
“We are condemned to win on Sunday. I am from this state (Bayelsa State), and I believe all the other South-South teams have gone for the continent. Therefore, Edo, Awa lokan (it’s our turn),” Aduku told theNWFL.com.
He added, “I want to thank God for today’s victory. Nasarawa Amazons is not a pushover. The first half was tight, but I told my girls in the second half that we needed this match, and my captain did the magic.”
Currently, Edo Queens sit atop the Super Six table with nine points, ahead of Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens, who they face on Sunday.
Aduku hailed the support of Edo State government and pledged to bring home the coveted silverware.
“I believe Edo State is already in jubilation mode, but we will keep our jubilation for Sunday. The government has done a lot for this team. I must tell you the truth, this team is one of the most motivated. Honestly, the government has really done a lot for this team. Our payback is to give them the trophy,” he continued.
“90 more minutes will speak. I don’t like making bold predictions because I believe fate will determine it, but I trust that my players are ready. On Sunday, it is going to be a Cup final and the winners take it all.
“Definitely, we are going to come out smoking. This is not a league standard when you say home and away. It is one-off and we are good to go. We will wait for Sunday and see who will take the title.”
Edo Queens’ star player, Osigwe Goodness, who is also in the running for the highest goal scorer prize, is prioritizing the league title over individual accolades.
“When the first half ended, the coach reminded us about the reason why we are here. We did play badly in the first half but we couldn’t score. I believed that in the second half, we would definitely win and that was what happened,” she said.
“What is on my mind now is the trophy. However, the highest goal scorer is on my mind because it will be a big opportunity for me to experience that happiness. If the highest goal scorer award didn’t come, it might be the will of God, but the trophy will not slip from us if I miss out on the highest goal scorer.”
Edo Queens are determined to secure their maiden league title with a victory over Bayelsa Queens on Sunday, adding a dramatic finish to an already thrilling season.
Kylian Mbappe is back in the France starting line-up for Tuesday’s Euro 2024 clash with Poland, his first appearance since suffering a broken nose against Austria just over a week ago.
Mbappe injured himself late on in the 1-0 victory over the Austrians on June 17 and did not play any part in last Friday’s 0-0 draw with the Netherlands in Leipzig as a result.
The new Real Madrid signing, who must wear a protective face mask, captains a France side who have already qualified for the last 16 before the Group D finale in Dortmund.
He returns in one of two changes made by coach Didier Deschamps to his line-up, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola getting a first international start as Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram drop out.
Where France finish in the section depends both on their result and the outcome of the simultaneous encounter between the Netherlands and Austria.
Poland are already eliminated but their captain and record goal-scorer Robert Lewandowski makes his first start of the competition after injury.
From AFP
Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Lawal (retd.), a distinguished former Minister of Youth and Sports and Military Administrator of Benue State, has passed away at the age of 83.
He died peacefully in his sleep at his home early on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
The sad news was confirmed by his daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, and verified by retired Air Commodore Sani Zakari, Sergeant At Arms at the National Assembly.
Born on September 14, 1941, in Offa, Kwara State, AVM Lawal was a trailblazing officer in the Nigerian Air Force, where he began his career in 1963 and received pilot training in West Germany.
His distinguished service included commanding roles such as NAF Port Harcourt Commander (1969-1970), Enugu Air Force Base Commander (1970-1972), and multiple terms as NAF Kano Commander (1972-1973, 1975-1977).
He also served as Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi from 1977 to 1978.
Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Lawal (retd.), remembered as “a very active and vibrant fighter pilot,” contributed significantly to the nation beyond his military service.
He served as the Military Governor of Benue State from July 1978 to October 1979 and later held the position of Federal Minister of Youth and Sports.
Following his retirement from active service, Lawal ventured into business and dedicated himself to philanthropy rooted in his faith as a devoted Muslim.
In addition to his legacy of service and contributions, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Lawal (retd.) is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, known as the flying antelopes, secured their 8th Nigerian Premier Football League title for the 2023/2024 season with a 2-1 victory over Gombe United at Zaria road stadium in Jos.
They amassed an impressive 70 points from 38 matches played throughout the season.
The team captain, Amobi Ezeakwu, proudly received the league trophy and a winning prize of one hundred and fifty million naira from Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
The match was attended by dignitaries including the chairman and members of the Nigeria Football Federation board, league board chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, as well as the governors of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, and Enugu State, Peter Mbah.
With this triumph, Rangers International will represent Nigeria alongside Remo Stars in the upcoming African Champions League competition.
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