WAFU B: Akekoromowei’s Screamer Sends Bayelsa Queens into Final

Bayelsa Queens booked their place in the final of the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers after a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Burkina Faso’s USFA on Tuesday in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.

The Prosperity Girls, champions of the 2022 edition, were stunned just two minutes into the clash when Comfort Yeboah punished a defensive lapse between Florence Alexander and goalkeeper Monle Omini to slot into an empty net.

Bayelsa quickly regrouped and equalised in the 15th minute. Shakirat Moshood pressed high to win possession, dribbled past three USFA defenders, and delivered a pinpoint cross that Emem Essien converted with a powerful header.

With momentum on their side, the Nigerians dominated midfield play, with Alaba Olabiyi and Vera Samuel dictating the tempo. The breakthrough finally came in the 62nd minute when Seimeyeha Akekoromowei latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the box and rifled an unstoppable shot beyond the goalkeeper.

The ex-Nasarawa Amazons striker, already a standout performer in the group stage, earned her second Player of the Match award of the tournament for her decisive display.

The result extends Bayelsa Queens’ unbeaten run and sets up a tantalising final against Ivorian champions ASEC Mimosas, who earlier thrashed Ghana’s Police Ladies 4-1 to become the first Ivorian side to reach the WAFU B Women’s Champions League final.

Friday’s showdown will not only decide the regional title but also determine which team qualifies for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League. The winner also stands a chance of competing at the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup and the newly introduced FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.

Bayelsa Queens, who clinched bronze at the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco three years ago, now find themselves one win away from another shot at continental glory.