Edo Queens Start Journey in Burkina Faso

Edo Queens will kick off their journey back to the CAF Women’s Champions League on Monday. They will face AS Garde Nationale of Niger in their first Group B match of the 2026 WAFU B qualifying tournament in Burkina Faso.

The match is set for 6pm at the Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou. The reigning Nigeria Women’s Football League champions want to make a strong start in a group that looks challenging.

Edo Queens won the WAFU B region in 2024. They come into this tournament with good experience and hope to make another deep run to secure a spot at the continental event.

Edo Queens Aiming for Winning Start

The Nigerian champions have been getting ready for the tournament since they arrived in Burkina Faso. Arriving early has helped the team get used to the local weather.

Assistant coach Gabriel Benson believes the players are set for the challenge. He says they only have one aim against Garde Nationale: to win.

“The girls are ready and good to go. They know the opportunity laid before them, and they also know that they are representing Edo State and Nigeria at large,” Benson said after Sunday evening’s training session.

“I know they are ready to fight to the end to win our first game and the WAFU B trophy. We are here for real business.”

Edo Queens will also have to deal with the heat in Ouagadougou. Benson noted that it is a bit hotter than what they are used to back home in Nigeria.

“We came here on time, and our players are acclimatizing well. Concerning the weather, there is a little difference. I found out that this place is hotter than Nigeria,” he said.

Tough Group Awaits Nigerian Champions

This first match marks the beginning of what Edo Queens expect to be a tough campaign.

Benson mentioned the quality of teams in Group B, which includes three former champions. But he said his players are not afraid of the challenge ahead.

“We have come to play against anybody here, knowing that the group we are placed in has three former champions that we know.

“We are not scared. It is a tough group, no doubt. AS Garde Nationale is the only team new to us in Group B. We are prepared, and it is one game at a time.”

For Edo Queens, the main goal is to beat Garde Nationale and start strong.

The Nigerian champions hope their experience, preparation, and confidence can lead to three important points as they begin their quest to win WAFU B again and represent Nigeria on the African stage.