Nigeria will not be represented at the CAF Women’s Champions League after Bayelsa Queens were beaten on penalties by ASEC Mimosa in the WAFU-B final.
The Prosperity Girls drew 1-1 with the Ivorians in Abidjan, with Ami Diallo’s early strike cancelled out by Emem Essien’s equaliser.
Neither side could break the deadlock in extra time, sending the match to penalties.
Emem Essien celebrating her equaliser for Bayelsa Queens in Ivory Coast. Photo Credit: Bayelsa Queens/X
In a tense shootout, Bayelsa Queens faltered in sudden death as ASEC Mimosa prevailed 8-7 to claim the regional crown and book a place at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.
It is only the second time Nigeria will miss the continental competition since its inception in 2021, after Delta Queens also failed to qualify in 2023.
READ MORE:south-africa-brush-aside-lesotho-in-world-cup-qualifier
ASEC Mimosa’s victory is historic, the first by a team outside Nigeria or Ghana in the WAFU-B Qualifiers.
They also became the first host side to lift the title, rewarding Côte d’Ivoire’s long-standing role as tournament hosts.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Past winners of the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League Qualifiers
2021: Hasaacas Ladies (Ghana)
2022: Bayelsa Queens (Nigeria)
2023: Ampem Darkoa (Ghana)
2024: Edo Queens (Nigeria)
2025: ASEC Mimosa (Côte d’Ivoire)
