Edo Queens Accept CAF Decision, Ready to Battle for Women's Champions League Spot

Edo Queens have accepted the decision from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to continue the extra time of their disputed WAFU-B final against Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies in Cairo, Egypt, on 29 October. They insist their goal to secure a spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League is still the same.

The Nigerian champions shared their stance in an official statement released on Thursday after an appeal process. The appeal saw CAF uphold its decision to cancel Edo Queens' penalty shootout win and order the final to continue from extra time.

This dispute started on 5 September when Edo Queens faced Ampem Darkoa in the WAFU-B qualifying final at the 4th of August Stadium in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The match ended 2-2 after regular time, but instead of going to the necessary two 15-minute extra time periods, it went straight to penalties, which Edo Queens won 4-1.

At first, this result seemed to give the Nigerian team the WAFU-B title and a spot in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League. However, Ampem Darkoa protested the decision to skip extra time, saying the rules required that extra time be played before a shootout.

CAF’s Organising Committee for Women’s Football then canceled the penalty shootout result. They ordered the match to resume from the start of extra time, keeping the score at 2-2.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) responded by appealing on behalf of Edo Queens. They argued that the Nigerian club should not suffer for a mistake by the officials. The NFF said Edo Queens did not ask for or cause the omission of extra time but followed what the officials instructed.

On 16 October, the CAF Appeal Board ruled in favor of the earlier decision. They confirmed that the 4-1 penalty shootout win had no impact on the game and that the match must continue from the 2-2 scoreline at the start of extra time.

The resumption will include two 15-minute periods. If the score remains tied after those 30 minutes, there will be another penalty shootout to find the winner. CAF also ordered that different match officials handle the resumption.

After the appeal failed, Edo Queens decided to accept CAF’s ruling following talks with their board, the Edo State Government, and the NFF. They admitted the result was not what they wanted but emphasized that they wanted to settle the contest on the field.

The club thanked the Edo State Government and the NFF for their support during the appeal. They recognized their efforts to protect the club's interests throughout the dispute.

Edo Queens also expressed gratitude to their loyal fans and media members who stood by them, saying their encouragement and support were a great source of strength during tough times.

Despite the disappointment from CAF’s decision, the club said their focus is now on the important match in Cairo. The players and staff will have another chance to secure the WAFU-B ticket to the continental tournament.

“Our mission remains unchanged: to fight, to win and to secure our place in the CAF Women’s Champions League,” the statement said.

The club recognized that the outcome of the appeal might disappoint fans, but they are determined to move forward with courage and commitment. They assured the people of Edo State and their fans that everyone is ready to give their all when the final resumes in Egypt.

With the WAFU-B ticket still undecided, the Nigerian side urged their supporters to keep backing the team. They asked them to continue believing in the Queens and showing love and support throughout the season.

The club stressed that their fans' support will be crucial as the players prepare for this important test against Ampem Darkoa. Edo Queens also see themselves as a representation of the strength, ambition, and fighting spirit of the Edo people, promising to carry those values into the match in Cairo.

The statement closed with a motivational message for supporters as the club gets ready for the final. “Together, we will fight. Together, we will believe. Together, we will pursue victory and the dream of playing in the CAF Women’s Champions League.”

The winner of the resumed final will represent WAFU-B at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, set to take place in Egypt from 1-5 November. For Edo Queens, the goal is clear: forget the disappointment of the appeal and focus on beating Ampem Darkoa to reclaim the chance they thought they had secured in Ouagadougou.