Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Edo Queens have reclaimed the WAFU-B Women's Champions League title after producing a dramatic comeback against Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies in Saturday night's final in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso . The Nigerian champions twice came from behind to force a 2-2 draw in regulation time before keeping their composure in the decisive penalty shootout, where they prevailed 4-1 to successfully defend their regional crown . The victory also secured Edo Queens' place in the upcoming CAF Women's Champions League finals .
Ampem Darkoa made a blistering start to the final, taking the lead as early as the second minute through Beline Nyarkoh . Edo Queens, however, responded almost immediately, with Doosuur Anastasia Atume restoring parity just two minutes later to bring the Nigerian side back into the contest . The two sides remained locked at 1-1 for much of the encounter before Ampem Darkoa regained the advantage in the 74th minute, with Nyarkoh completing her brace . With Edo Queens facing the prospect of losing to their Ghanaian opponents for the second time in the competition, the Nigerian champions produced a dramatic late response. Oluebube Umejiaku struck in the 94th minute to level the scores at 2-2 and force the final into a penalty shootout .
Edo Queens then held their nerve from the spot, converting four of their penalties while limiting Ampem Darkoa to just one successful attempt to seal a 4-1 shootout victory . Edo Queens' defensive duo, Valentina Uroko and Ifeoma Ikenokwalu, also showed remarkable composure by converting their penalties during the shootout, with Ikenokwalu scoring the decisive kick . The triumph completes a remarkable turnaround for Edo Queens, who had suffered their only defeat of the tournament against Ampem Darkoa in the group stage . The Ghanaian side had previously defeated the Nigerian champions 2-1 in their Group B meeting, but Edo Queens have now had the final say when it mattered most .
Before reaching the final, Edo Queens produced an emphatic semi-final performance, thrashing hosts USFA of Burkina Faso 5-1 . Ampem Darkoa also advanced in convincing fashion after defeating FC Dynamique 4-1 in their semi-final . The final was delayed for more than an hour because of heavy rain and strong winds, but once play began, the Nigerian champions showed the resilience that has become their trademark .
Edo Queens also dominated the individual awards. Doosuur Anastasia Atume won the Golden Boot after finishing the tournament with four goals and five assists, while 16-year-old teammate Oluwakemi Adegbuyi was named the competition's best player and received the Golden Ball . Ampem Darkoa goalkeeper Rose Teye Baah was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament after a series of impressive performances .
Saturday's triumph represents another major milestone for Edo Queens, who first captured the regional crown in 2024 during their debut campaign . The Nigerian club went on to finish fourth at the CAF Women's Champions League later that year, and they will now have another opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in African women's club football . The victory underlined the mental strength of the Edo Queens squad. Twice forced to recover from setbacks against the same opponents, the Nigerian champions refused to surrender and produced a stoppage-time equaliser before maintaining their composure in the shootout .
Reacting to the triumph, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, congratulated the players, technical crew, and officials of Edo Queens, describing the victory as a historic achievement for Edo State and Nigeria . Enabulele dedicated the triumph to Governor Monday Okpebholo, commending the Governor for his unwavering support for sports development and his commitment to repositioning Edo State as a leading sports destination . He also hailed the players for their fighting spirit, noting that their ability to come from behind twice in the final demonstrated the character, discipline and resilience that have become synonymous with Edo sports . He further congratulated the technical crew led by stand-in coach Kennedy Boboye for their tactical discipline, determination, and ability to keep the team focused throughout the competition .
With the WAFU-B crown secured, Edo Queens now turn their attention to the bigger stage — the CAF Women's Champions League scheduled for South Africa, where they will seek to build on their historic achievement and represent Nigeria with distinction . The victory is a testament to the growing strength of women's football in Nigeria and a source of immense pride for Edo State and the entire nation.
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