Bayelsa Queens, Nigeria’s six-time national champions, have embarked on their journey to secure a coveted spot in the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League. Their quest begins in Ivory Coast, where they landed on Friday and commenced training at the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. From there, the team will proceed to Yamoussoukro, the host city for the WAFU-B qualifiers, scheduled to run from August 23 to September 5. This tournament serves as the qualifying stage for the Champions League, with only the top team from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The Prosperity Girls, as they are affectionately known, understand the gravity of each match in their pursuit of continental glory.
Drawn into Group B, Bayelsa Queens face a challenging path to the semi-finals. They will contend with Ghana’s Police Ladies, Togo’s AS de la Kozah, and Benin’s Sam Nelly. Their opening match pits them against the Ghanaian champions, setting the stage for an intense and crucial encounter. The group stage promises a fierce battle for supremacy, with every team striving to secure the sole qualifying spot. Bayelsa Queens acknowledge the formidable opponents they face and are prepared for the demanding tests ahead.
Club Chairman Robin Angonimi Apreala emphasized the team’s serious intent, stating that they are in Ivory Coast “for real business” and determined to represent Nigeria with pride and distinction. Their recent preparations have focused on honing key aspects of their game, including discipline, tactical execution, and fostering a strong team spirit. Head coach Whyte Ogbonda is expected to leverage the team’s valuable experience from their previous continental campaign to guide them through the challenges of the qualifiers. The team’s collective focus and determination are palpable as they aim to make a significant impact on the tournament.
Bayelsa Queens’ previous Champions League experience in 2022 serves as both inspiration and a benchmark for their current aspirations. In their debut campaign, they emerged victorious in the WAFU-B tournament, also held in Ivory Coast, showcasing their regional dominance. Their impressive run continued as they advanced to the semi-finals of the main Champions League tournament in Morocco, ultimately securing a commendable third-place finish after defeating Simba Queens of Tanzania. This past success fuels their current ambition to not just qualify but to make a deep run in the 2025 tournament.
The ultimate prize for the winner of the WAFU-B qualifiers is a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals, scheduled to be held in Algeria later this year. The finalists from each of the CAF zones, along with the host nation’s league winners and the defending champions, AS FAR, will compete for the continental crown. Bayelsa Queens recognize the significance of this opportunity and are determined to secure their spot among Africa’s elite women’s football clubs. Their journey in Ivory Coast represents a crucial step towards fulfilling this ambition.
The team’s journey exemplifies the growth and development of women’s football in Nigeria and the broader African context. Bayelsa Queens’ consistent success on the national stage has positioned them as a leading force in the region, and their continental ambitions reflect the increasing competitiveness and professionalism of women’s football across Africa. Their participation in the WAFU-B qualifiers not only represents their own aspirations but also contributes to the broader narrative of women’s football’s rise on the continent. They carry the hopes of Nigerian football fans and aim to inspire future generations of female footballers.
