The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has approved the renaming of the Honey Badgers of Makurdi to Benue Queens, following the successful takeover of the club by the Benue State Government.

The approval, conveyed in a letter signed by NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi, followed a rigorous verification process confirming that the Benue State Government met all 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.

Commenting on the development, Shabi 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 that the Benue State Government has substantially met all requirements and has been granted approval to take over Honey Badgers.”

She further lauded the potential positive impact of the transition: "The Benue State Government has demonstrated its commitment to operating and funding the club in line with NWFL regulations, which 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.

The Makurdi-based outfit will face tough competition from seasoned teams, including Naija Ratels, Ibom Angels, Adamawa Queens, Delta Queens, Bayelsa Queens, and Rivers Angels in Group B.

Their campaign will kick off with a highly anticipated clash against the formidable Robo Queens in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on January 15, 2025, marking their debut in Nigeria’s top-flight women’s football league.

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