Edo Queens will take to the field today with an historic bronze medal on the line, as they face FC Masar in the third-place match of the 2024 Women’s CAF Champions League.
After a heart-wrenching semi-final loss to TP Mazembe, who will later meet AS FAR in the final, Edo Queens are determined to finish their maiden campaign with a bronze medal compensation that would mark a milestone for Nigerian women’s football.
Edo Queens were defeated 3-1 by DR Congo’s TP Mazembe
Bayelsa Queens’ head coach, Ogbonda Whyte, lauded Edo Queens for their resilience and impressive run, insisting that they’ve exceeded expectations.
“So far, so good. Out of the eight teams that started this competition, Edo Queens have made it to the last four. Despite their semi-final defeat, they’ve truly impressed,” Whyte said in an exclusive chat with Brila.net.
However, Whyte was quick to warn the girls that the battle for third place is far from over. He urged the team to regroup and focus on clinching the bronze, not just for pride, but for the financial rewards that could help propel the team to greater heights.
“To go further, they must calm themselves and focus. If they can secure the bronze medal, it will be a huge financial boost for the state and the country.”
“That would be a well-deserved consolation for their efforts.”
For coach Gift Okunwa Igunbor, the message was clear: focus, determination, and pride. A former Super Falcons star, Igunbor knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
“It’s not going to be easy. But the team must stay focused. They must secure this bronze medal and make Nigerians proud,” Igunbor said ahead of the match.
The third-place match will be a rematch between Edo Queens and FC Masar, who previously battled to a 0-0 draw in the group stages.
The two debut teams will be aiming to leave their mark on the competition, with the prospect of a historic third-place finish giving added motivation.
The encounter will unfold at El-Hamed Al Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 GMT.
