Edo Queens have sealed the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League crown after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies following a thrilling 2-2 draw in Ouagadougou on Saturday night.
The victory secured the Nigerian champions’ place in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League scheduled to take place in South Africa, after a final that showcased resilience, determination and late heroics.
Ampem Darkoa took an early lead through Beline Nyarko in the second minute, but Edo Queens responded almost immediately, with Doosuur Anastasia Atume restoring parity in the fourth minute.
Nyarko struck again from the penalty spot in the 74th minute to put the Ghanaian champions ahead, but Edo Queens refused to surrender.
With defeat staring them in the face, Oluebube Umejiaku produced a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time to force the final into a penalty shootout.
Edo Queens then showed remarkable composure from the spot, converting all four of their penalties. Valentina Uroko and Ifeoma Ikenokwalu were among those who held their nerve, with Ikenokwalu scoring the decisive kick as the Nigerian champions secured a commanding 4-1 shootout victory.
The triumph crowned Edo Queens WAFU-B champions and guaranteed their participation in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The historic campaign also produced individual honours, with Edo Queens winger Oluwakemi Adegbuyi named WAFU-B Player of the Tournament, while Doosuur Anastasia Atume claimed the Golden Boot.
The victory capped a remarkable tournament for the Nigerian champions, who overcame strong opposition to emerge as the dominant force in the WAFU-B zone.
Reacting to the triumph, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, through his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, congratulated the players, technical crew and officials of Edo Queens on the historic achievement.
Enabulele dedicated the victory 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 praised 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 also 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.
Enabulele particularly commended Boboye and his backroom staff for maintaining the team’s confidence during the difficult moments of the final and guiding Edo Queens to another historic continental qualification.
He expressed confidence that Edo Queens would continue to make Edo State and Nigeria proud when they take their place among Africa’s elite women’s clubs at the CAF Women’s Champions League.
With the WAFU-B crown secured, Edo Queens now turn their attention to the CAF Women’s Champions League in South Africa, where they will seek to build on their historic achievement and further fly the Nigerian flag on the continental stage.
