Nigeria's Edo Queens and Benin's Ainonvi FC have both secured their spots in the final of the 2024 WAFU B CAF Women's Champions League qualifiers, after a pair of electrifying semi-final encounters at the Stade de la Paix. On August 24, the two teams will face off for a chance to secure a place in their first-ever CAF Women's Champions League.
Nigeria's Edo Queens reached the final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against host club Inter D'Abidjan. Suliat Abideen and Blessing Illivieda were on target for the Nigerian side, with Abideen's performance earning her the Woman of the Match title. Although Adjoua Edwige Sandrine Niamien scored for the Ivorian team, Edo Queens held firm to book their spot in the final.
In the second semi-final, Ainonvi FC triumphed 1-0 over Burkina Faso’s A.O Etincelle. Despite the early injury of key defender Stephanie Zida, the Benin team managed to hold their ground and eventually scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute. Yasminath Djibril’s impressive solo effort earned her the Woman of the Match accolade and secured Ainonvi FC's place in the summit clash.
The final, set for Friday, August 24, promises to be a highly anticipated showdown between the two teams, both of which are aiming for their first-ever appearance in the CAF Women's Champions League. The winner of this match will represent the WAFU Zone B in the prestigious continental competition.
Edo Queens’ impressive performance has drawn praise from Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki. In a statement, Governor Obaseki congratulated the team for their victory and their journey to the finals. “I celebrate Edo Queens for their dominance and resilience throughout the tournament. They have remained unbeaten and head into the finals with confidence. Their performance is a source of pride for every girl child in Edo State,” he said.
