Edo Queens have accepted the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to replay the outstanding extra time of their WAFU-B final against Ghana’s Ampem FC, with the decisive encounter scheduled for October 29 in Cairo, Egypt.

The Benin City-based club admitted that the outcome of the appeal was not what it had hoped for but said, after consultations with the Edo State Government, its board and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), it had chosen to move forward in the interest of sporting fairness.

The team is expected to depart for Cairo on Monday, October 26, determined to settle the contest on the pitch and secure qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League, which begins on November 1.

“Our mission remains unchanged: to fight, to win and to secure our place in the CAF Women’s Champions League,” the club said, urging its supporters to remain firmly behind the team ahead of the crucial encounter.

Edo Queens also thanked the Edo State Government and the NFF for their support and representation throughout the appeal process, while acknowledging the disappointment felt by fans following CAF’s decision.

The club, however, insisted that its players and technical crew remain focused and ready to represent Edo State and Nigeria with pride.

The controversy dates back to September 5, when Edo Queens were declared WAFU-B champions after defeating Ampem FC 4-1 on penalties, following a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time in Burkina Faso.

Ampem FC subsequently protested the outcome, arguing that an additional 30 minutes of extra time should have been played before the penalty shootout, in line with the competition’s rules. CAF’s disciplinary and appeal bodies later ruled in favour of the Ghanaian club, paving the way for the outstanding extra time to be played.

With the appeal process concluded, Edo Queens must now return to the pitch to settle the contest, with a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League at stake.