Nigeria’s Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the 2026 WAFU B Women’s Champions League after defeating Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies 4-1 on penalties in a dramatic final in Ouagadougou.
The final at the August 4 Stadium on Saturday, September 5, lived up to expectations as the two West African heavyweights produced an entertaining contest that ended 2-2 after regulation time.
Ampem Darkoa made the perfect start when Beline Nyarko put the Ghanaian champions ahead just two minutes into the game. However, their advantage lasted only two minutes, with Doosuur Anastasia Atume restoring parity for Edo Queens.
The Ghanaian side regained the lead 16 minutes from full time when Nyarko struck again, putting Ampem Darkoa within touching distance of the regional crown.
Edo Queens refused to surrender, though, and Oluebube Umejiaku scored deep into stoppage time to force the game into a penalty shootout.
The Nigerians held their nerve from the spot, converting all four of their penalties, while Ampem Darkoa managed just one successful attempt from three, with two efforts missed.
The defeat represents a disappointing end to what had been an outstanding campaign for the Ghanaian champions. Ampem Darkoa had won all four of their previous matches, including a 2-1 victory over Edo Queens in the group stage.
They followed that result with a commanding 4-1 semi-final win over FC Dynamique d’Abomey to book their place in the final.
Edo Queens, meanwhile, responded strongly after their earlier defeat, thrashing USFA 5-1 in their semi-final to set up the title decider.
Despite losing the final, Ampem Darkoa’s performance throughout the tournament underlined their status as one of Ghana’s leading women’s clubs.
Edo Queens also claimed the individual awards, with Oluwakemi Adegbuyi named Player of the Tournament and Atume finishing as the competition’s top scorer.
The Nigerian champions’ victory also secures their place in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, while Ampem Darkoa will reflect on a campaign in which they came agonisingly close to securing Ghana another continental representation.
