Nigeria’s Edo Queens FC and Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies will contest a decisive 30-minute extra-time match in Cairo today, with the final WAFU-B place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League on the line.
The team that wins the unusual playoff will complete the West African zone’s representation at the tournament, which is scheduled to run in Cairo from November 1 to 15.
Qualifier dispute leads to Cairo decider
- The original WAFU-B qualifying tournament took place in Burkina Faso two months ago.
- Edo Queens were initially declared winners after drawing 2-2 with Ampem Darkoa in normal time before prevailing 4-1 in the penalty shootout.
- Ampem Darkoa subsequently lodged a complaint with CAF over the match officiating.
- CAF responded by ordering a 30-minute extra-time contest in Cairo to determine the qualifier conclusively.
Champions League place and wider prize
The successful side will be placed in Group B of the CAF Women’s Champions League, where Morocco’s AS FAR, Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies and Mali’s US FAS Bamako are already waiting.
There is also a longer-term incentive beyond the continental competition. The eventual Champions League winners will earn a place in the qualifying stage for the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in the United States.
Edo Queens confident ahead of replay
Edo Queens have maintained a positive mood in their Cairo camp, with coach Moses Aduku insisting his squad are mentally prepared for the exceptional circumstances of the match.
Nigerian football observers have backed Edo Queens to beat their Ghanaian opponents for a second time. Ampem Darkoa, however, will be seeking a fast and forceful opening as they attempt to make their reprieve count and secure a landmark qualification.
