Edo Queens win WAFU-B title again and qualify for Champions League

Edo Queens have won the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title again after a thrilling comeback against Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the final on Saturday night in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

The Nigerian champions came from behind twice to end the match in a 2-2 draw before winning 4-1 in penalties. This victory means they successfully defended their regional title.

This win also secures Edo Queens a spot in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League finals.

Ampem Darkoa started the final strongly, taking the lead in just the second minute thanks to Beline Nyarkoh.

But Edo Queens quickly responded, with Doosuur Anastasia Atume scoring just two minutes later to level the match at 1-1.

The game remained tight until the 74th minute when Ampem Darkoa regained the lead, with Nyarkoh scoring again for her team.

Facing the chance of losing to their Ghanaian rivals for the second time in this tournament, Edo Queens showed great determination.

Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 94th minute to make it 2-2 and send the match into penalties.

During the penalty shootout, Edo Queens converted four of their kicks while Ampem Darkoa managed just one, sealing a 4-1 victory.

This win marks a huge turnaround for Edo Queens, who had lost to Ampem Darkoa 2-1 in the group stage earlier in the tournament.

The Ghanaian team had beaten the Nigerians in their Group B encounter, but Edo Queens came through when it mattered most.

Before the final, Edo Queens dominated their semi-final, beating the hosts USFA of Burkina Faso 5-1. Ampem Darkoa also won their semi-final convincingly, defeating FC Dynamique 4-1.

This victory is a significant achievement for Edo Queens, who first won the regional title in 2024 during their debut.

They finished fourth at the CAF Women’s Champions League later that year and now have another chance to compete at the top level of African women’s football.

Beyond winning the WAFU-B title, this victory showcases the strong mentality of the Edo Queens team.

They faced setbacks against the same opponents but refused to give up, equalizing late and staying calm during the penalty shootout.

Individually, Edo Queens players shone as well.

Doosuur Anastasia took home the Top Scorer award for the 2026 edition, while Oluwakemi Adegbuyi was named Best Player of the Tournament. Her performances showed leadership and consistency.

Now, Edo Queens will focus on the CAF Women’s Champions League finals, bringing the confidence of their recent victory and aiming to improve on their fourth-place finish from 2024.