Bayelsa Queens, Nigeria’s reigning women’s football champions, are poised for a challenging return to the WAFU B Women’s Champions League after being placed in Group B alongside tough regional rivals. According to reports, the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) titleholders will compete against Ghana’s Police Ladies, Togo’s ASKO, and Benin Republic’s Sam Nelly in the upcoming tournament, marking their second appearance in the competition.
The draw, confirmed by regional organizers, sets the stage for a high-stakes group phase. Bayelsa Queens, nicknamed the Prosperity Girls, have a strong history in the event, having clinched the trophy during their debut campaign in 2022. Their previous success adds intrigue to their clashes against West African opponents, with Police Ladies and ASKO aiming to challenge their dominance. Meanwhile, Sam Nelly’s inclusion underscores Benin Republic’s growing presence in regional women’s football.
In Group A, host nation Cote d’Ivoire’s Asec Mimosas will face Niger Republic’s AS Garde and Burkina Faso’s USFA. The host team’s participation is expected to draw significant local support, while AS Garde and USFA seek to leverage their regional experience. Notably, the tournament’s defending champions, Edo Queens of Nigeria, are not part of this year’s group stage, leaving the title race wide open for new contenders.
The WAFU B Women’s Champions League serves as a qualifying pathway to the CAF Women’s Champions League, Africa’s premier club competition. For Bayelsa Queens, the tournament offers an opportunity to replicate their historic 2022 run, where they became the first Nigerian team to win the regional title. Challenges await, however, as rivals like Police Ladies—a team representing Ghana’s security services—boast competitive pedigrees.
The competition’s structure highlights the rising profile of women’s football in West Africa, with federations increasingly investing in club development. This edition also spotlights Benin Republic’s Sam Nelly, a relatively new entrant aiming to make an impact. Meanwhile, Asec Mimosas’ hosting duties add organizational pressure, with the Ivorian side seeking to advance while representing their nation on home soil.
With group matches set to begin in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Bayelsa Queens to see if they can navigate a tense bracket and secure another shot at continental glory. Their campaign will test squad depth and tactical adaptability, as regional rivalries and emerging teams converge in a bid to claim West Africa’s top club honor.
