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

Edo Queens turned a looming defeat into another regional title with a stoppage-time equalizer and a composed penalty shootout against Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies. The Nigerian side drew 2-2 in regulation before winning 4-1 from the spot in Saturday night’s final in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Ampem Darkoa struck first in the second minute through Beline Nyarkoh, but Doosuur Anastasia Atume restored parity two minutes later. The Ghanaian champions regained the lead in the 74th minute when Nyarkoh completed her brace, putting Edo Queens at risk of losing to the same opponents for a second time in the competition.

Edo Queens refused to let the earlier setback decide the final. Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 94th minute to force the shootout, where the Nigerian champions converted four penalties and limited Ampem Darkoa to one successful attempt.

The result reversed Edo Queens’ only defeat of the tournament. Ampem Darkoa had beaten them 2-1 in the Group B meeting, but Edo Queens had the decisive answer in the final. They reached the title match after defeating hosts USFA of Burkina Faso 5-1 in the semifinal, while Ampem Darkoa beat FC Dynamique 4-1.

The victory gives Edo Queens their second WAFU-B crown after their first title in 2024, during their debut campaign. They later finished fourth at that year’s CAF Women’s Champions League and will now return to the continental competition. Anastasia was the tournament’s top scorer, while Oluwakemi Adegbuyi received the best-player award.