Edo Queens captain Odiagbe Deborah has expressed confidence in her team’s readiness to begin their campaign at the WAFU Zone B Women’s Champions League Qualifying Tournament in Burkina Faso.
Speaking to the media ahead of Edo Queens’ opening fixture against AS GNN of Niger, the skipper said the Nigerian champions are approaching the crucial encounter with a strong mentality and clear ambition to secure a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League, Sports247 gathered.
“Honestly, we are fully ready,” Odiagbe said. “Our first time was two years ago and we won it. We are confident. The team spirit and mentality are high. We are winning.”
Edo Queens enter the tournament with valuable experience, having won the WAFU-B title two years ago. The captain believes that previous success has strengthened the squad’s confidence ahead of another continental challenge.
According to Odiagbe, the opening match against AS GNN will be particularly important as the team looks to establish momentum from the beginning of the competition.
“The first game is very important and we are fully ready with a winning mentality,” she stated.
The defender also highlighted her previous experience with the squad as an advantage, explaining that being part of the team during their previous WAFU-B triumph has provided her with an understanding of what it takes to succeed at the tournament.
“Being part of the squad last time is an edge to help the team and motivate the squad to prepare ahead,” she added.
Edo Queens have been drawn in Group B alongside AS GNN of Niger, ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC of Ghana, making every fixture crucial in their pursuit of progression.
For Odiagbe, however, the ambition goes beyond simply reaching the latter stages of the competition. The captain wants to experience the feeling of lifting the trophy again, this time as the leader of the team.
“I will be so happy to have won it twice. It will be special to win as a captain too,” she said.
Edo Queens will therefore enter the clash against AS GNN with confidence, experience and a strong desire to repeat their previous continental success.
With their captain leading the call for another title, the Nigerian champions will hope to begin their campaign with a victory and take an important step towards securing qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
