Edo Queens Crowned 2026 WAFU B Women’s Champions After Dramatic Penalty Shootout

Nigeria’s Edo Queens have emerged champions of the 2026 WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies.

The thrilling final ended 2-2 after regulation time, with Edo Queens twice fighting back from behind before holding their nerve from the penalty spot to claim the regional crown and secure qualification for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.

The final, played in Ouagadougou, was delayed for more than an hour due to heavy rain and strong winds. Once the match got underway, Ampem Darkoa made a blistering start, with Berline Nyarko scoring just two minutes into the contest.

Edo Queens responded quickly through Dooshima Tarnum, who restored parity to ensure the Nigerian champions went into the later stages of the game firmly in contention.

Ampem Darkoa regained the lead in the second half after being awarded a penalty, which Nyarko converted to score her second goal of the night. With the Ghanaian champions appearing to be on course for victory, Edo Queens produced a remarkable late response.

Substitute Oluebube Umejiaku struck deep into stoppage time to make it 2-2 and send the final into a penalty shootout. Edo Queens then converted all four of their kicks, while Ampem Darkoa managed only one successful effort, handing the Nigerian side a 4-1 shootout victory.

The triumph means Edo Queens will represent the WAFU B zone at the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League, marking the club’s return to Africa’s premier women’s club competition after its previous appearance in 2024.

Edo Queens also dominated the individual honours at the tournament. Doosuur Anastasia Atume won the Golden Boot after finishing with four goals and five assists, while 16-year-old Oluwakemi Adegbuyi was named the competition’s Best Player and received the Golden Ball.

The victory further strengthens Edo Queens’ position as one of the leading forces in Nigerian and West African women’s football, following their previous WAFU B triumph in 2024.