Edo Queens have secured a return to the CAF Women’s Champions League after defeating Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies 4–1 on penalties following a dramatic 2–2 draw in the final of the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Ouagadougou.
The victory saw the Nigerian champions retain their regional dominance while, more importantly, booking the sole WAFU-B ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League later this year.
It was a final filled with drama as Edo Queens twice had to fight back against an Ampem Darkoa side that had entered the contest unbeaten.
The Ghanaian champions took the lead early through Beline Nyarkoh, before Edo Queens responded to level the contest. Nyarkoh struck again after the interval to restore Ampem Darkoa’s advantage, but Edo Queens refused to surrender.
Just when the Ghanaian side appeared set to claim the regional crown, Edo Queens produced a dramatic late equaliser in stoppage time to force the match into a penalty shootout.
From the spot, the Nigerian champions held their nerve.
Edo Queens converted their first three penalties while Ampem Darkoa missed their opening two attempts. After the Ghanaian side pulled one back, Edo Queens converted their fourth kick to complete a 4–1 shootout victory and secure the championship.
The result also gives Edo Queens revenge for their only defeat of the tournament. Ampem Darkoa had beaten the Nigerian champions 2–1 in their final Group B encounter, finishing top of the group ahead of Edo Queens.
Edo Queens responded emphatically in the semi-finals, dismantling hosts USFA 5–1, while Ampem Darkoa defeated FC Dynamique 4–1 to set up the final showdown.
For Edo Queens, the achievement is particularly significant because it marks their second qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League, having previously represented the WAFU-B zone in 2024.
The Benin-based side can now turn their attention to the continental stage, where they will once again have the opportunity to compete against Africa’s best women’s clubs.
They came to defend their regional crown. They leave Ouagadougou with something even bigger — another ticket to Africa’s biggest women’s club competition.
