Nigerian champions Edo Queens set for regional test

Fresh from securing their maiden Nigeria Women Football League title, Edo Queens will head to Côte d’Ivoire in August with hopes of reaching the continent’s biggest women’s club competition.

Tournament organisers confirmed on Wednesday that the 2024 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers will take place in Abidjan from 10 to 23 August. The competition will determine which club earns the region’s lone ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.

The tournament brings together league champions from seven West African countries — Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger Republic, Nigeria and Togo.

Edo Queens eye historic CAF Women’s Champions League place

For Edo Queens, the trip represents another major milestone in a season already filled with breakthroughs.

The Benin City side sealed their first-ever NWFL Premiership crown in Yenagoa after finishing top of the Super Six standings in dramatic fashion last month. Their triumph earned them the right to represent Nigeria at the regional qualifiers.

The CAF Women’s Champions League, launched in 2021 by Confederation of African Football, has quickly become the premier club competition in women’s football across Africa. Nigerian clubs have consistently been among the strongest contenders in the WAFU-B qualifying series.

Nigeria-Ghana rivalry dominates WAFU-B qualifiers

The regional competition has largely been shaped by a fierce football rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.

Each of the last three finals has featured clubs from both countries. Ghanaian teams, however, have edged the rivalry with two title victories.

In the inaugural 2021 edition, Nigeria’s Rivers Angels reached the final but were defeated by Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies.

A year later, Bayelsa Queens restored Nigerian pride with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ampem Darkoa in Côte d’Ivoire.

But Ghana regained the upper hand in 2023 when Ampem Darkoa narrowly defeated Nigeria’s Delta Queens 1-0 in Benin City.

Côte d’Ivoire returns as host nation

Côte d’Ivoire has become a familiar venue for the competition. The country previously hosted the 2021 and 2022 editions before Nigeria staged the tournament in 2023.

Officials believe Abidjan’s growing reputation for organising regional football events influenced the decision to return the qualifiers to the Ivorian capital this year.

The tournament is expected to attract scouts, football administrators and supporters from across West Africa as women’s football continues to gain momentum in the region.

What Edo Queens must overcome

Edo Queens will face strong opposition, particularly from Ghanaian representatives who have dominated recent editions.

The Nigerian side must also manage the pressure that comes with representing the country after a memorable domestic campaign.

Football analysts say squad depth, tactical discipline and experience in high-pressure matches could determine who secures the only available CAF Women’s Champions League slot.

Conclusion

Edo Queens now stand on the brink of another defining moment in their rise within African women’s football.

After conquering the domestic league, the challenge shifts to the regional stage in Abidjan, where only one club will progress to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals. For Nigeria, the tournament also offers a chance to reclaim dominance from Ghana after recent disappointments.