Edo Queens Fight Back From The Brink, Beat Ampem Darkoa On Penalties To Rule WAFU B

By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

Edo Queens produced a sensational comeback in Ouagadougou on Saturday night, edging unbeaten Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies on penalties after a thrilling draw to lift the 2026 WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifying title and secure their place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Edo Queens 2 2 Ampem Darkoa Ladies (Edo Queens win 4 1 on penalties)

The final was packed with drama, resilience and late heroics, as Edo Queens twice fought back from behind before keeping their nerve in a decisive shootout. Ampem Darkoa struck as early as the second minute through Beline Nyarko, only for Edo Queens to respond 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 back in front, but Edo Queens refused to surrender. With defeat staring them in the face, Oluebube Umejiaku delivered a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, forcing the final into a shootout.

From the spot, the Queens were ruthless. Defensive duo Valentina Uroko and Ifeoma Ikenokwalu showed remarkable composure in converting their penalties, with Ikenokwalu striking the decisive kick as Edo Queens converted all four of their attempts, while Ampem Darkoa missed twice, handing the Nigerian champions a commanding shootout victory.

The triumph crowns Edo Queens as WAFU B champions and guarantees their participation in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League. The campaign also produced individual honours, with winger Oluwakemi Adegbuyi named WAFU B Player of the Tournament, while Atume claimed the Golden Boot award, capping a remarkable run that saw the Nigerian side emerge as the dominant force in the 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, describing the victory as a historic achievement for Edo State and Nigeria. Enabulele dedicated the triumph to Governor Monday Okpebholo, commending him for his unwavering support for sports development and his commitment to repositioning Edo State as a leading sports destination.

He also praised the players for their fighting spirit, noting that coming from behind twice in the final reflected the character, discipline and resilience that have become synonymous with Edo sports, and commended the technical crew led by stand in coach Kennedy Boboye for their tactical discipline and ability to keep the team focused throughout the competition, particularly during the difficult moments of the final.

With the WAFU B crown secured, Edo Queens now turn their attention to the CAF Women’s Champions League in South Africa, where Enabulele expressed confidence the team would continue to make Edo State and Nigeria proud on the continental stage.