The Nigeria Women’s Football League champions had initially secured qualification on September 5 in Burkina Faso after playing out a 2–2 draw against Ampem Darkoa Ladies before winning the subsequent penalty shootout.
However, their celebrations were cut short on September 25 when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) nullified the result after determining that match officials had failed to play the mandatory 30 minutes of extra time before proceeding to penalties.
The ruling forced both teams to return to the pitch in Cairo, Egypt, to play the missing extra-time period, with the score restored to 2–2.
For Edo Queens, the replay meant having to defend a qualification victory they had already celebrated, with their continental ambitions once again hanging in the balance.
The additional period proved decisive, as Ampem Darkoa struck just two minutes after play resumed to take the advantage.
Edo Queens responded with renewed urgency, pushing forward in search of an equaliser that could revive their hopes. Despite their efforts, the Nigerian side could not find a breakthrough, eventually losing the tie 3–2 on aggregate.
The defeat ended Edo Queens’ pursuit of another appearance at the continental tournament and handed Ampem Darkoa Ladies a place in Group B of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The Ghanaian side will face defending champions AS FAR of Morocco, USFAS Bamako of Mali and Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies in the group stage.
For Edo Queens, the outcome represents a painful end to a campaign in which qualification appeared secured before an officiating error changed the course of their contest.
Their experience has also drawn attention to the consequences of procedural mistakes in high-stakes football, where decisions made by match officials can have far-reaching implications for clubs, players and supporters.
Although the Nigerian champions fought to preserve their opportunity during the replay, the late reversal of their original victory ultimately left them outside the continental competition.
