Exclusive: Strategic Investment and Equal Pay Policy Inspired Edo Queens' remarkable CAF debut - Sabina Chikere

In a historic fairytale journey, Edo Queens finished fourth in the prestigious 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League after defeating the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in Morocco.

Despite their bronze medal loss to Egyptian champions Masar, the Benin-based outfit’s outstanding performance has not only made Edo State proud but has also resonated deeply with football fans across Nigeria and beyond.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, Sabina Chikere, former Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Sports Commission and former General Manager of both Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance, shared her excitement over the team’s success and discussed the impact of this progress on the future of women’s football in Edo and Nigeria at large.

A Continental Debut to Remember for Edo Queens

Reflecting on the remarkable win over the defending champions, Chikere expressed her pride, stating: “It feels great, and although I knew we were capable of reaching this stage, seeing it come to fruition is truly special. I’m elated, not just for the team, but for Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

"The girls have made us immensely proud. It was a tense match, and we were all on edge, but suddenly, we clinched it. I am confident they will keep pushing forward and bring back the trophy.”

Chikere sees this milestone as a turning point for women’s football in Edo State, which is rapidly becoming a hub for sports development. “Women’s football is growing at an impressive pace, both in Edo and nationwide,” she told SportsBoom.com.

“We want to establish Edo State as a leader in sports, and this victory will encourage more girls to take up the game and show the world their potential.”

Edo Queens' Foundation: A Vision for Empowerment and Equality

When asked about the origins of Edo Queens, Chikere emphasized the foundational role played by the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Honorable Comrade Philip Shaibu, in nurturing the club.

“Everything Edo Queens has achieved today is built on the vision and groundwork laid by Honorable Shaibu,” she explained.

“He treated these girls like his own children, providing them with both the sporting and emotional support they needed to thrive.”

She revealed that the club's initial vision, focused not just on athletic excellence but on ensuring the welfare and empowerment of female athletes.

“We wanted these girls to have confidence in themselves, to see that they could achieve anything that their male counterparts could,” Chikere continued.

“What a man can do, a woman can do equally. And now, the results are evident. Our girls are proving themselves on the international stage.”

Overcoming Challenges: The Road to Continent

While Chikere is proud of the team’s achievements, she is also mindful of the challenges faced during the club’s formative years.

“When we first came on board, there were numerous issues within the sports sector in Edo State. But we worked tirelessly to clean up the system and ensure that the state’s vision for sports was realized,” she recalled.

Despite the difficulties, including challenges with ghost workers and the political turmoil in recent months, the efforts of Chikere and her team have paid off.

“It wasn’t easy, but persistence, patience, and hard work have brought us to where we are now,” she said.

“The girls have held their heads high through it all, and they are reaping the rewards of the hard work we’ve put in.”

Equal Pay: A Progressive Policy for Gender Equality

One of the standout achievements of Edo Queens is their equal pay policy, which ensures that male and female footballers receive the same salary.

Chikere explained that this progressive approach was designed to foster a sense of equality and respect within the team.

“We didn’t want any disparity between the men’s and women’s teams,” she said. “Both male and female players should feel valued equally for their hard work and talent. That’s why we implemented the equal pay policy.”

This policy, which has been widely praised, has had a significant impact on player morale and performance. “When players know that their efforts will be rewarded equally, they are motivated to give their best,” Chikere added.

“Other clubs are starting to follow our lead, which is a positive sign for the future of women’s football in Nigeria.”

A Long-Term Vision: Edo State as a Sports Powerhouse

Looking ahead of Saturday's bronze medal challenge with FC Masar of Egypt and beyond, Chikere emphasized the broader vision for sports development in Edo State.

“The state government’s goal is to position Edo as a hub for sports in Nigeria. We want to develop world-class athletes who will represent not just Edo, but Nigeria on the global stage,” she said.

“With Edo Queens leading the way, we are seeing more young women aspiring to professional football careers, and that’s just the beginning. Our players are already making waves internationally, and we’re focused on developing even more talent."

She also reiterated the importance of education alongside sports, stressing that athletes need both skills and academic qualifications to secure their futures. “Sports careers are often short-lived, so it’s crucial that we encourage athletes to pursue education as well. In Edo State, we believe in combining education and sports for the holistic development of our youth.”

A Legacy of Excellence and Empowerment

As Edo Queens will take home a $300, 000 cash prize, Chikere is proud of the progress that has been made since the club’s inception in 2017.

“Looking back, I am filled with pride,” she said. “The late nights, the challenges, and the sacrifices have all been worth it. I am happy that we are seeing the results of the foundation we laid. This is just the beginning for Edo Queens, and I have no doubt that they will continue to rise.”

Chikere’s advice to other sports administrators is clear: "Success in sports management requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to the work itself, not the rewards. If you put the work first, the results will follow. And that’s what we did with Edo Queens—we put in the hard work, and now we are seeing the success."

The story of Edo Queens has been that of consistency, resilience, and investment in women's football over the years which is paying off with success at continental stage.

As Edo State continues its journey to becoming a leader in sports development, the success of Edo Queens is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and the drive for equality in sports.