Bayelsa Queens came from behind to beat Burkina Faso’s USFA 2-1 on Tuesday, booking their place in the 2025 WAFU B CUP Final – CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.
The Prosperity Girls, winners of the regional crown in 2022, were stunned inside two minutes when Comfort Yeboah capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Florence Alexander and goalkeeper Monle Omini to lob into an empty net.
Bayelsa responded swiftly, restoring parity in the 15th minute when Shakirat Moshood dispossessed a USFA defender before weaving past three opponents and delivering a perfect cross for Emem Essien, who powered home a header.
The Nigerians then took control of the contest, with Alaba Olabiyi and Vera Samuel dictating play in midfield. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 62nd minute when Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box and rifled a thunderous strike beyond the helpless goalkeeper.
Akekoromowei, who has been a standout throughout the tournament, was named Player of the Match for the second time, underlining her growing reputation as one of West Africa’s brightest attacking talents.
The result keeps Bayelsa Queens unbeaten in the competition and sets up a mouthwatering final against Ivorian champions ASEC Mimosas on Friday.
The hosts had earlier thrashed Ghana’s Police Ladies 4-1 to become the first Ivorian side to reach the final.
The winners will not only lift the WAFU B title but also qualify for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League, with a potential pathway to both the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in 2028 and FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in 2026.
Bayelsa, who finished third at the continental finals in Morocco in 2022, now stand one victory away from another shot on Africa’s biggest stage.