Bayelsa Queens miss out on CAF Women’s Champions League

Bayelsa Queens failed to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League after losing 8–7 on penalties to ASEC Mimosas in the WAFU-B final on Friday. The match, held at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, ended 1–1 after regular and extra time. ASEC took an early lead in the 6th minute through Ami Prisca Diallo, but Bayelsa equalized in the 18th minute via Emem Essien.

The result marks only the second time in five editions that Nigeria will not be represented in the CAF Women’s Champions League, with the previous absence occurring in 2023. Meanwhile, ASEC Mimosas made history by becoming the first Ivorian club to win the WAFU-B qualifiers and secure a Champions League berth, breaking the long-standing dominance of Nigerian and Ghanaian teams in the region.

As hosts of the tournament for the fourth time in five editions, Côte d’Ivoire saw its efforts rewarded with ASEC’s qualification for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League. The Ivorian club will now represent the region on the continental stage, while Bayelsa Queens reflect on a narrow defeat.