Nigerian champions twice come from behind before sealing dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa
OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO — Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers after edging Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies 4-1 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in Saturday’s final in Ouagadougou, Lagos Panorama reports.
It was a remarkable display of resilience from the Nigerian champions, who twice found themselves behind but refused to surrender, forcing the final into a penalty shootout before keeping their composure to lift the trophy and secure qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Edo Queens made the perfect start when Dooshima Tarnum fired them ahead in the fourth minute. However, Ampem Darkoa responded almost immediately, with Beline Nyarko restoring parity in the second minute before putting the Ghanaian champions ahead again from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.
With the title seemingly slipping away, Edo Queens produced a stunning late rescue.
Deep into stoppage time, Oluebube Umejiaku found the equaliser in the 90+2nd minute to make it 2-2 and send the decisive contest into penalties.
The Nigerian side then held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties, while Ampem Darkoa could manage just one, handing Edo Queens a dramatic 4-1 shootout victory and the WAFU-B crown.
The triumph carries added significance for Edo Queens, who had suffered their only defeat of the competition against the same opponents in the group stage.
Ampem Darkoa had defeated the Nigerian champions 2-1 in Group B, finishing top of the group ahead of Edo Queens. But when it mattered most, the NWFL champions produced the response that mattered, overcoming their earlier setback to claim the title.
Edo Queens had earlier announced their championship credentials with an emphatic 7-0 demolition of AS Garde Nationale of Niger Republic, followed by a 3-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire’s ASEC Mimosas.
After the group-stage setback against Ampem Darkoa, they bounced back spectacularly in the semi-final, defeating hosts USFA of Burkina Faso 5-1 to book their place in the final.
Ampem Darkoa, meanwhile, secured their final berth with a 4-1 victory over FC Dynamique of Benin Republic.
For Edo Queens, the journey from group-stage disappointment to WAFU-B glory is a testament to their character, resilience and championship mentality.
Down twice. Never out. Champions at the end.
Congratulations to the 2025/26 NWFL champions, Edo Queens, on their WAFU-B triumph and qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League. 🇳🇬👑🏆
