The Nigeria Women Football League has approved the renaming of the Honey Badgers FC of Makurdi to Benue Queens.

The decision followed the successful takeover of the club by the Benue State Government.

This is contained in a statement by the NWFL media officer on Friday, Samuel Ahmadu.

Mr Ahmadu, who noted that the approval followed a rigorous verification process, said that  the Chief Operating Officer of the league, Modupe Shabi, confirmed that the Benue Government met requirements for the takeover and name change.

“Effective immediately, Benue Queens will take over all fixtures, points, and standings previously held by Honey Badgers in the NWFL Premiership,” Mr Ahmadu quoted Shabi as saying.

He said, “After submitting to the very rigorous process put in place to ensure that only serious, business-minded individuals and corporate groups are admitted to club ownership, the NWFL is satisfied with the Benue State Government. The state government has substantially met all requirements and has been granted approval to take over Honey Badgers.’’

Shabi further lauded the potential positive impact of the transition.

“The state government has demonstrated its commitment to operating and funding the club in line with NWFL regulations. These regulations are designed to protect the integrity of the league and safeguard the interests of players and other stakeholders involved in the NWFL.

The takeover comes as Honey Badgers celebrate a historic milestone, having earned promotion to the NWFL Premiership this season, marking their rise from the lower divisions to the top tier of Nigerian women’s football,” Shabi said.

The Makurdi-based outfit will face tough competition from the likes of Naija Ratels, Ibom Angels, Adamawa Queens, Delta Queens, Bayelsa Queens, and Rivers Angels in Group B as the league kicks off on Wednesday.

Their campaign will begin with a highly anticipated clash against the formidable Robo Queens in Lafia on Wednesday, marking their debut in Nigeria’s top-flight women’s league. 

(NAN)