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.

Imhons Erons

View Comments

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

“It was a lot of effort” – Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick reveals how he swayed Lookman to play for Nigeria

Former President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has revealed he put in a… Read More

15 minutes ago

“€7m, more or less” – LOSC Lille President reveals shocking financial details of Osimhen’s move to Napoli

The president of French Ligue 1 side-LOSC Lille, Olivier Létang, has revealed some shocking details… Read More

1 hour ago

Official: Nigerian youngster David Moses joins Slavia Prague inspired by Super Eagles star

Slavia Prague have officially signed 20-year-old Nigerian midfielder David Moses from fellow Czech club MFK… Read More

1 hour ago

Ademola Lookman hits career-high N90b valuation, rivals Osimhen as Nigeria’s most valuable star

Ademola Lookman has reached a new milestone in his career, with his market value surging… Read More

3 hours ago

“The environment”- Ademola Lookman reveals vital catalysts in CAF POTY success

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has stated that joining Atalanta in 2022 played a big… Read More

7 hours ago