Nigeria’s Edo Queens FC will be back on the field today (Thursday) to take on Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies. This match is a critical 30-minute extra-time battle for the last spot from WAFU-B zone in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The match will take place in Cairo, Egypt, and it wraps up a controversial WAFU-B qualifying final that happened two months ago in Burkina Faso. With a place in Africa’s top women’s club competition up for grabs, both teams must settle things on the pitch after the first match ended in a dispute over the officiating.
Edo Queens were initially declared winners after they beat Ampem Darkoa 4-1 on penalties, following a 2-2 draw in regular time. However, Ampem Darkoa lodged a complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against the outcome. This led CAF to order a replay of the last 30 minutes of extra time.
This decision has extended the fight for qualification, leaving Edo Queens to defend their status while Ampem Darkoa seeks another chance to grab the sought-after continental spot.
For Edo Queens, today’s game is a chance to move past the controversy and confirm their place among Africa’s top women’s football teams. The Nigerian side seemed to have won the match in Burkina Faso after playing to a 2-2 draw and winning the penalty shootout. But the new ruling means that their earlier victory does not guarantee them a spot, and they must now play an extra 30 minutes.
Despite the situation, the mood in the Edo Queens camp is positive. Head coach Moses Aduku has said he is pleased with how the players are preparing mentally for this important match. “The players are in the right frame of mind,” Aduku said.
This confidence will be key in a match where focus and discipline can make all the difference. With just 30 minutes to play, Edo Queens must manage the game well, avoid mistakes, and take advantage of their chances.
The Nigerian champions also need to stay sharp during this unusual situation. They should not let the earlier issues distract them. They must focus on getting the win they need to progress.
On the other hand, Ampem Darkoa Ladies are focused on making the most of this opportunity given by CAF. The Ghanaian team had a 2-2 draw with Edo Queens before losing in the penalty shootout in Burkina Faso. Their complaint about the officiating led to the decision for an additional 30 minutes, giving them another shot at the WAFU-B spot.
With everything on the line, Ampem Darkoa will be eager to make the extra time work in their favor. They need to find a way to beat Edo Queens while keeping their defense strong.
The pressure will be high for the Ghanaian champions, as the result will decide whether they move on to the continental competition or watch their qualification hopes fade away.
Both teams are under pressure. Edo Queens must fight to keep their hopes alive, while Ampem Darkoa has a chance to turn their appeal into a spot in the Champions League.
The winner of today’s match will take the last WAFU-B position in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, which will be held in Cairo from November 1 to 15.
Winning would place the team in Group B with Moroccan club AS FAR, Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies, and Mali’s US FAS Bamako. This eight-team tournament showcases some of Africa’s best women’s clubs, giving players a strong platform to compete.
For Edo Queens, getting to the Champions League would also be another chance for Nigerian women’s football to shine at the continental level. The Benin City team wants to take the country’s hopes into the tournament and show they can compete with the best.
Ampem Darkoa has the same goal. A place in Cairo would give the Ghanaian club a shot at continental glory.
The importance of this match goes beyond just securing a spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League. The winner will also earn a chance to compete in the qualifying round of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, which will take place in the United States in 2027.
This extra incentive raises the stakes for the teams in Cairo, as success on the continent could lead to greater international opportunities.
For now, all eyes are on today’s critical 30 minutes. Edo Queens hope their earlier win over Ampem Darkoa is a good sign, while the Ghanaian team is ready to make the most of their second chance.
With a spot in Africa’s top women’s club competition at stake, this disputed final is set to be a tense and important match. Edo Queens have the chance to finish what they started but must overcome Ampem Darkoa to secure their place on the continental stage.
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