Nigeria’s Edo Queens Women’s Football Club is set to make history in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, hosted in Morocco, where they stand to earn a minimum of $150,000 (around 251 million naira) simply for their participation. As the third Nigerian club to appear in this premier tournament—after Rivers Angels in 2021 and Bayelsa Queens in 2022—Edo Queens are determined to make an impact on the continental stage.

Led by Coach Moses Aduku, the team earned their spot with an impressive 3-0 victory over Benin’s Ainonvi FC during the WAFU B qualifiers held in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire. Forward Emem Essien shone brightly, netting a goal in the final and finishing the qualifiers as the top scorer with five goals. Her contributions, along with those of her teammates, have set Edo Queens on a promising course in the Champions League.

This year, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced a boosted prize pool of USD 2.35 million, up by 52% from previous years. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe underscored CAF’s commitment to women’s football, emphasizing that prize increases and youth academy investments are designed to foster the growth of the sport across Africa.

For Edo Queens, advancing beyond the group stage means even greater financial rewards. The champions will claim USD 600,000, while the runners-up will earn USD 400,000. Even third and fourth-place finishers can expect USD 350,000 and USD 300,000, respectively. Teams finishing third in the group stage will secure USD 200,000, and fourth-place group finishers will still take home USD 150,000.

For Edo Queens, this journey represents more than just a title; it’s an opportunity to elevate Nigerian women’s football and contribute to the sport’s development on the continent.