There are victories that arrive with a final whistle, and there are victories that seem to gather momentum with every passing minute. For Edo Queens, their latest triumph belongs firmly to the second category.
In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the Nigerian champions produced a dramatic late comeback against Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies to win the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title. Twice forced to chase the game, Edo Queens twice found a way back before keeping their nerve when the trophy came down to penalties.
The 2-2 draw after regulation time set up the decisive shootout. Edo Queens converted four attempts while Ampem Darkoa managed just one, sealing a 4-1 victory and, with it, a place in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
But the continental breakthrough is only part of a bigger story.
Championship Built On Resilience
The WAFU-B final offered a fitting portrait of the character that has increasingly defined Edo Queens.
Ampem Darkoa struck just two minutes after kick-off through Beline Nyarkoh, but the Nigerian champions responded almost immediately. Doosuur Atume restored parity two minutes later, setting the tone for a contest in which Edo Queens refused to remain behind for long.
The Ghanaian champions regained the lead in the 74th minute, with Nyarkoh completing her brace. With the trophy seemingly within Ampem Darkoa’s grasp, Edo Queens launched one final assault.
Then came the 94th minute.
Oluebube Umejiaku found the equaliser, dragging the game into a penalty shootout. From there, composure became the currency of champions. Edo Queens delivered.
The victory secured the regional trophy and opened the door to the next stage of their continental journey.
From Nigerian Champions To Regional Queens
The WAFU-B triumph adds another layer to an already remarkable season.
Edo Queens had earlier secured the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League title, their second NWFL championship in three years. Edo Queens finished top with nine points, ahead of Bayelsa Queens and Nasarawa Amazons, who both ended on eight.
The achievement reinforced the transformation of a club that won its maiden NWFL title in 2024 and returned two years later to demonstrate that its first success was no fluke.
“Edo Queens have been dropping chart-toppers all season, and the final track is gold! NWFL 2025/2026 secured — the victory anthem is loud, proud, and unstoppable. Adaaa Edo Queen,” the club stated while capturing the mood.
The season also produced individual recognition. Edo Queens forward Atume Doorsuur shared the Golden Boot with Rivers Angels striker Abasiofoh Uwah after both finished with 13 goals.
“A well-deserved shared honour for two outstanding forwards with 13 goals,” the league wrote while announcing the award.
Celebrated At Home
The success has been met with strong backing from Edo State.
Governor Monday Okpebholo rewarded the WAFU-B champions with ₦50 million, presenting both the 2025/26 NWFL and 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League trophies to the team at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
He praised the players for their resilience, determination and doggedness, while recognising the contribution of the coaching crew, technical team and officials.
“For me, this cup matters to Edo people, and it matters to the country. I must commend the players for their doggedness. I also want to thank the coaching crew and other officials. I want to reward the team with the sum of ₦50 million,” the governor declared.
Okpebholo also commended the Edo Broadcasting Service for televising the final live, allowing more Nigerians to watch and celebrate the achievement.
Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, described the season as one in which the team had done the state proud by winning both the NWFL and WAFU-B titles. He attributed the achievement to grit, unity, discipline, and resilience.
Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Jarrett Tenebe, went further, describing Edo Queens as warriors and saying they could conquer Africa sooner than expected, with the motivation being provided by the governor.
The Next Challenge Awaits
Edo Queens are now moving from domestic dominance into a bigger arena. Their WAFU-B triumph has earned them a place in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League finals, allowing the Nigerian champions to carry their growing reputation beyond the country and the region.
The significance stretches beyond trophies. Two years after celebrating their first NWFL title, Edo Queens are repeat champions at home and now champions of the WAFU-B region. The story has changed.
They are no longer simply chasing the summit. They have arrived; they have etched their names in West Africa, and the entire continent is next.
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