The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Board has thrown its full weight behind Nigerian champions, Edo Queens, as they prepare to compete for glory in this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco, beginning on November 9, 2024.

In a statement on Thursday, NWFL Chairperson, Nkechi Obi expressed confidence in the team’s ability to represent Nigeria with excellence, stating, “Edo Queens’ journey to this prestigious stage is a testament to their hard work and resilience. As they take on Africa’s best clubs, we are offering our unwavering support and belief in their potential to achieve historic success.”

The Board further reiterated its belief in Edo Queens’ ability to showcase Nigerian football’s strength and talent on the continental stage.

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“As you face Africa’s elite, remember you carry the dreams of Nigerian women’s football with you,” the chairperson stated. “We are proud to stand behind you and are confident you will make Nigeria shine.”

With Rivers Angels (2021) and Bayelsa Queens (2022) as previous Nigerian representatives — Edo Queens now set their sights on history, aiming to become the first Nigerian side to reach the final and capture the coveted title on their first attempt.

The Benin Arsenals will begin their maiden campaign in Group B against fellow debutantes Central Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) on November 10, 2024, and square up against first-timers, FC Masar of Egypt three days later before tackling title holders Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on November 16.

In preparation for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen has announced a 23-man squad to face Rwanda and Benin in the upcoming matches.

The Super Eagles, 2013 AFCON champions, are keen to secure their spot in next year’s tournament, which will take place in Morocco.

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The squad list sees the return of star forwards Victor Osimhen and Sadiq Umar, adding firepower to a Super Eagles side currently at the top of Group D with 10 points.

With six points taken from Libya in previous rounds, Nigeria needs just one more point to guarantee their qualification.

The squad is a mix of experience and young talent, with players selected across all positions.

The goalkeepers include Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Amas Obasogie, while the defensive lineup features Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, and captain William Troost-Ekong, among others.

The midfield is bolstered by notable names like Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, while the forward line, led by Osimhen and Umar, also includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to play Benin on November 14, followed by a home match against Rwanda in Uyo on November 18.

Eguavoen and his team aim to lock in their AFCON qualification with strong performances in both matches, further strengthening Nigeria’s presence in continental football.

Full Squad List:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemeachi, Gabriel Osho, Victor Collins

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq

With just two games left in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles hope to carry their current momentum forward and secure a place in Morocco’s 2025 AFCON.

Arsenal Football Club is facing a major transition as sporting director, Edu Gaspar is reportedly poised to leave his position amidst growing interest from a group of clubs owned by Evangelos Marinakis, including Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos.

Sources indicate that the Brazilian, who has been a key figure in reshaping Arsenal’s transfer strategy and overall identity since 2019, is expected to take on a significant new role within Marinakis’ expansive network.

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His departure could signal a substantial shift in Arsenal’s approach to player recruitment and team development.

Edu’s tenure has seen the club invest £867 million in player acquisitions, ranking Arsenal third in spending behind Chelsea and Manchester United.

Under his leadership, the Gunners secured the FA Cup and finished as runners-up in the Premier League during the last two seasons.

He played a pivotal role in the signings of high-profile players such as Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice while managing the exits of notable figures including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Özil.

According to reports, Edu’s decision to leave was self-initiated, with recent changes in senior roles at the club possibly influencing his choice.

As Arsenal prepares for a crucial Champions League match against AC Milan, manager Mikel Arteta is expected to address the situation in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

Edu’s journey at Arsenal began when he returned to the club as technical director after a successful period with the Brazilian Football Confederation, where he celebrated a Copa America victory.

Promoted to the role of sporting director in 2022, he has emphasized a philosophy that prioritizes both winning and playing with style, stating, “Winning is not enough for Arsenal; style is paramount. I want to win the best way possible.”

The club now faces the challenge of finding a successor capable of sustaining the momentum and vision Edu has instilled.

Football transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano confirmed the impending transition, noting that Edu is a sought-after target for Marinakis’ multi-club operation.