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

Sevilla director drops update on Kelechi Iheanacho’s future amid Premier League links

Sevilla sporting director Victor Orta has revealed that the club is open to selling Super… Read More

1 hour ago

West Ham rekindle interest in Super Eagles striker despite Nottingham Forest stance

English Premier League side, West Ham United, have rekindled their interest in Super Eagles and… Read More

3 hours ago

Super Eagles B team: Eric Chelle to oversee three coaches for CHAN tournament– Eguavoen excluded

Malian gaffer, Eric Chelle, will not lead the Super Eagles B team to the 8th… Read More

3 hours ago

Free-scoring Nigerian winger set to return to Europe after failed stint in the United Arab Emirates

Swiss giants FC Basel have finalised a loan deal for Nigerian winger Philip Otele from… Read More

3 hours ago

Napoli weigh up €40m bid for Borussia Dortmund’s fufu-man with strong Nigerian ties

Italian Serie A side, Napoli, are weighing up a move for Germany and Borussia Dortmund… Read More

3 hours ago

Super Eagles coach: Why NFF may have handed Eric Chelle jersey number 12 – Photo

Newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Chelle, has sparked curiosity after being… Read More

4 hours ago