For only the second time in history, Nigeria will not feature in the CAF Women’s Champions League, as Bayelsa Queens fell 8–7 on penalties to hosts ASEC Mimosa in a dramatic WAFU-B Women’s Champions League Qualifier final on Friday.
A Tense Battle in Abidjan
At the Stade Charles Konan Banny, the Ivorians struck first through Ami Diallo in the 6th minute. The Prosperity Girls quickly responded, with Emem Essien netting the equalizer in the 18th minute. Both sides battled fiercely, but 120 minutes ended level, forcing the tie into penalties.
After a 4-4 stalemate in the initial shootout, sudden death ensued. Bayelsa Queens faltered at the decisive moment, handing ASEC Mimosa their first ever WAFU-B crown and a historic ticket to the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.
⏱️ Full Time: Bayelsa Queens 1️⃣-1️⃣ ASEC Mimosas
(Penalties: ASEC 8️⃣-7️⃣ Bayelsa Queens)
What a battle! Our Queens fought with heart and pushed the champions to the very last kick. 💛💙
We walk away proud, with heads held high. 👑#WAFUBFinal #BayelsaQueens pic.twitter.com/TKDCQLuWf8
— Bayelsa Queens Fc (@Bayelsaqueensfc) September 5, 2025Bayelsa Queens’ Strong Run Ends in Heartbreak
The 2022 champions had enjoyed an unbeaten run leading up to the final. They opened with a 2–1 victory over Police Ladies, thrashed ASKO FC 3–0, and crushed Sam Nelly 4–1 to top their group. In the semifinals, they showed resilience, coming from behind to edge past USFA 2–1.
However, their dreams of returning to the continental stage were dashed at the final hurdle.
ASEC Mimosa’s Dream Debut
Making their debut, ASEC Mimosa delivered a fairytale campaign, thrilling home fans with dynamic football. They edged AS GNN 2–1, humbled USFA 3–0, and outclassed Police Ladies 4–1 in the semifinals before sealing glory against Bayelsa Queens.
This victory makes ASEC Mimosa the first club outside Nigeria and Ghana to win the WAFU-B Qualifiers, and the first host team to lift the trophy.
Nigeria Misses Out
Since the CAF Women’s Champions League began in 2021, Nigerian clubs have only failed to qualify twice: Delta Queens in 2023 and now Bayelsa Queens in 2025. Despite reaching every WAFU-B final, Nigeria’s dominance has been broken once more.
Côte d’Ivoire’s win also marks a reward for years of consistent hosting, with the nation staging four of the five editions.
