Edo Queens have reclaimed the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title after defeating Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa 4-1 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Saturday.

The Nigerian champions produced a remarkable fightback to overturn two deficits before keeping their composure in the decisive penalty shootout to lift the regional crown and book their place in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals later this year.

Ampem Darkoa stunned Edo Queens with an early breakthrough when Beline Nyarkoh struck in the second minute.

The lead, however, lasted only two minutes as Edo Queens responded almost immediately through Doosuur Anastasia Atume, who levelled the contest in the fourth minute.

The Ghanaian side regained the advantage after the interval, with Nyarkoh completing her brace in the 74th minute to put Ampem Darkoa within sight of the trophy.

Edo Queens refused to surrender. With the clock running down and the title slipping away, the Nigerian champions found a dramatic equaliser through Oluebube Umejiaku in the fourth minute of added time to force the final into a penalty shootout.

The momentum was firmly with Edo Queens by then. They held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties while restricting Ampem Darkoa to one successful effort to complete a 4-1 shootout victory.

The triumph represents a significant redemption for Edo Queens, who had suffered their only defeat of the WAFU-B campaign against Ampem Darkoa during the group stage.

Having lost that earlier encounter, Edo Queens produced the perfect response when it mattered most, defeating their Ghanaian rivals in the final to reclaim the regional crown.

Their route to the final had also underlined their attacking strength. Edo Queens dismantled hosts USFA 5-1 in the semi-final, while Ampem Darkoa defeated FC Dynamique 4-1 to set up the title clash.

The victory also confirms Edo Queens as WAFU-B’s representative at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals, giving the Nigerian club another opportunity to compete for continental honours.

Edo Queens had previously won the WAFU-B title in 2024 on their debut and went on to finish fourth at the CAF Women’s Champions League that same year.

Their latest triumph now gives the Edo State side another chance to improve on that continental showing.

Saturday’s dramatic victory was more than a regional title triumph for Edo Queens as It was a statement of resilience and a successful return to the continental stage.

Edo Queens 2-2 Ampem Darkoa
Edo Queens win 4-1 on penalties

Goals: Doosuur Anastasia Atume 4’, Oluebube Umejiaku 90+4’ — Beline Nyarkoh 2’, 74’