Bayelsa Queens have secured a place in the final of the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Burkina Faso’s Union Sportive des Forces Armées (USFA) on Tuesday at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
The Prosperity Girls endured a shaky start when USFA struck just two minutes into the match, but their response was swift. Thirteen minutes later, Emem Essien brought Bayelsa back on level terms, giving the Nigerians the momentum to push forward in what quickly became an intense battle.
After the break, Bayelsa Queens continued to dominate possession and looked more threatening in attack. Their efforts paid off in the 63rd minute when Siemeyeha Akekoromowei fired them ahead. The midfielder, already one of the standout performers in the tournament, once again proved decisive. She was later named Player of the Match for the second time in the competition, underlining her growing influence and reputation as one of West Africa’s brightest young footballers.
Head coach Domo Okara Busari praised the team’s resilience after the final whistle. “We deserved the win. My players came out smoking from the first half, creating a lot of chances. It was a good game and a great response after going behind so early,” Busari said.
The Nigerians will now face Ivorian champions ASEC Mimosas in Friday’s decisive clash. Beyond the regional title, the stakes are high: the winner of the WAFU B qualifiers secures a ticket to the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League, along with a potential pathway to both the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
For Bayelsa Queens, who famously clinched third place at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals in Morocco three years ago, Friday’s showdown offers another golden chance to return to the continental spotlight.
