Essien shines as Nigeria’s Edo Queens triumph over Benin’s Ainonvi to capture WAFU B title and CAF Women’s Champions League berth

Edo Queens of Nigeria have emerged victorious in the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers after securing a dominant 3-0 win over Benin’s Ainonvi FC in the final on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

This victory not only crowns the Edo Ladies as regional champions but also guarantees their spot in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League.

The final, held at the Stade de La Paix de Bouaké, saw the Nigerian champions take control early on.

Suliat Abideen broke the deadlock just before halftime, converting their sustained midfield dominance into a well-deserved goal. Her strike set the tone for the match, as the Nigerian side pressed relentlessly against their Beninese opponents.

Emem Essien, one of the tournament’s standout performers, doubled Edo Queens' lead in the 59th minute.

Essien displayed remarkable skill and composure, effortlessly dribbling past Ainonvi FC’s goalkeeper, Alassane Sauratou, to slot the ball home from close range. This solo effort underscored her importance to the team throughout the competition.

The final nail in the coffin came in the 76th minute when Ainonvi FC’s Elizabeth Ukandu, under intense pressure from the Edo Queens' attack, mistakenly headed the ball into her own net.

Despite creating a few chances, Ainonvi FC found it impossible to breach the Edo Queens’ solid defence, which held firm to secure a clean sheet.

With this triumph, Edo Queens take over from Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies as WAFU B champions and will represent the region in the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League, where they will look to extend their impressive run on the continental stage.