The Nigerian champions, Edo Queens, produced a sensational comeback on Saturday night in Ouagadougou to lift the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifying title. By edging the previously unbeaten Ghanaian champions, Ampem Darkoa Ladies, 4-1 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw, the Queens have officially booked their ticket to the prestigious CAF Women’s Champions League.
The championship match was a masterclass in fighting spirit, packed with drama, resilience, and late heroics as Edo Queens came from behind twice to push the game to a decisive shootout. Ampem Darkoa struck just two minutes into the game through Beline Nyarko, but the Nigerian side responded instantly, with Doosuur Anastasia Atume restoring parity in the 4th minute. Nyarko found the back of the net again in the 74th minute via a penalty, putting the Ghanaians on the brink of victory. Refusing to surrender, Edo Queens’ Oluebube Umejiaku delivered a crucial equalizer deep into stoppage time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
From the spot, the Queens displayed nerves of steel. Defensive duo Valentina Uroko and Ifeoma Ikenokwalu showed remarkable composure, with Ikenokwalu converting the decisive kick. Edo Queens flawlessly scored all four of their penalties, while Ampem Darkoa missed twice, cementing a commanding 4-1 shootout victory for the Nigerians.
Beyond the team trophy, Edo Queens dominated the tournament’s individual accolades, solidifying their status as the premier force in the WAFU-B zone. Winger Oluwakemi Adegbuyi was named the WAFU-B Player of the Tournament, while Doosuur Anastasia Atume claimed the Golden Boot award.
Following the historic win, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, issued a celebratory statement through his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko. Enabulele officially dedicated the continental triumph to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo. He commended the Governor for his unwavering support for sports development and his continuous commitment to repositioning Edo State as a leading sports destination in Africa.
Praising the squad’s character, Enabulele noted that the players’ ability to fight back twice in a high-stakes final perfectly demonstrated the discipline and resilience synonymous with Edo sports. He also reserved special praise for stand-in coach Kennedy Boboye and his backroom staff, lauding their tactical discipline and vital role in keeping the team confident and focused during the most difficult moments of the tournament.
With the WAFU-B crown firmly secured, Edo Queens now turn their attention to the biggest stage in African women’s club football. The team will head to South Africa for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, where they will look to build on this historic momentum and proudly fly the Nigerian flag among Africa’s elite.
