Bayelsa Queens secured their place in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League final with a thrilling comeback victory against USFA. The Nigerian side will now face ASEC Mimosas
Bayelsa Queens have once again proven their resilience, securing a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Burkina Faso’s USFA to book their place in the final of the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
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The match, held in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, was a rollercoaster of emotions that saw the Nigerian champions fight back from an early deficit to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament.
The “Prosperity Girls,” winners of the regional crown in 2022, found themselves trailing within two minutes of kickoff.
A defensive mix-up between Florence Alexander and goalkeeper Monle Omini allowed Comfort Yeboah to pounce, lobbing the ball into an empty net to give USFA an unexpected lead.
This early setback, however, only served to galvanize the Bayelsa Queens.
Their response was swift and decisive.
In the 15th minute, Shakirat Moshood dispossessed a USFA defender before dazzling past three opponents to set up Emem Essien, who headed home a powerful equalizer.
The goal immediately injected confidence into the Nigerian side, who began to dictate the tempo of the game.
Midfielders Alaba Olabiyi and Vera Samuel were among those who pulled the strings, controlling the flow of the match with impressive poise and passing.
The winning goal arrived in the 62nd minute from the boot of Seimeyeha Akekoromowei.
The former Nasarawa Amazons forward capitalized on a loose ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a thunderous strike that left the USFA goalkeeper with no chance.
Akekoromowei, who had been a standout player in the group stage, once again proved her value, earning her second Player of the Match award of the tournament.
Her performance was nothing short of superb, solidifying her reputation as one of West Africa’s brightest talents.
The victory means Bayelsa Queens will now face Ivorian champions ASEC Mimosas in Friday’s final. The hosts defeated Ghana’s Police Ladies 4-1 earlier, becoming the first Ivorian side to reach the WAFU B Women’s Champions League final.
The winner of this much-anticipated match will not only claim the regional title but also secure qualification for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League, with a potential spot at the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
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Having finished third at the continental finals three years ago, Bayelsa Queens are now just one game away from another appearance on Africa’s biggest stage.
Source: Read more at iretura.com
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
