The WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, witnessed a thrilling semi-final clash between Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens and Burkina Faso’s USFA. Bayelsa Queens, the defending champions, showcased their resilience and determination, overcoming an early setback to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory, propelling them to the tournament final. This victory underlined their dominance throughout the competition, maintaining an unbeaten streak and reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in West African women’s football. Their journey to the final was marked by individual brilliance, tactical prowess, and a relentless pursuit of victory.
The match began dramatically with USFA capitalizing on a defensive lapse within the first two minutes. A mix-up between Bayelsa Queens’ defender Florence Alexander and goalkeeper Monle Omini allowed Comfort Yeboah to seize the opportunity and lob the ball into an empty net, giving the Burkinabe side an early lead. However, Bayelsa Queens, undeterred by the early setback, quickly regrouped and responded with vigor. Their attacking intent paid off in the 15th minute when Shakirat Moshood dispossessed a USFA defender, skillfully navigated past three opponents, and delivered a precise pass to Emem Essien, who headed home the equalizer.
The equalizer infused Bayelsa Queens with renewed confidence, and they began to dictate the tempo of the game. Alaba Olabiyi and Vera Samuel orchestrated play from midfield, controlling possession and creating opportunities for their teammates. The Nigerian side’s relentless pressure eventually yielded the decisive goal in the 62nd minute. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei, a former Nasarawa Amazons forward, capitalized on a loose ball and unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box, leaving the USFA goalkeeper with no chance. This strike proved to be the winner, securing Bayelsa Queens’ place in the final.
Akekoromowei’s impactful performance earned her the Player of the Match award for the second time in the tournament. Her ability to score crucial goals, coupled with her overall contribution to the team’s success, cemented her reputation as a rising star in West African women’s football. Her performances throughout the tournament highlighted her importance to the Bayelsa Queens squad and showcased her potential to become a dominant force in the years to come.
Bayelsa Queens’ victory set up a final clash against Ivorian champions ASEC Mimosas, who earlier defeated Ghana’s Police Ladies 4-1 in the other semi-final. This marked a historic moment for Ivorian football as ASEC Mimosas became the first team from the country to reach the WAFU B Women’s Champions League final. The final promised to be an enthralling encounter between two of the region’s top teams, vying for not only regional supremacy but also a coveted spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
The stakes were high for both finalists, as the winner would qualify for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League, potentially earning a place in both the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Bayelsa Queens, having finished third in the continental finals in Morocco three years prior, were eager to return to Africa’s biggest stage. The final presented them with an opportunity to build on their previous success and solidify their position among the continent’s elite women’s football clubs. The match promised to be a fitting culmination of a thrilling tournament, showcasing the growth and development of women’s football in West Africa.
