Bayelsa Queens showed grit and resilience on Tuesday as they battled from a goal down to defeat Burkina Faso’s USFA 2-1, sealing their place in the final of the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.
The Prosperity Girls, champions of the regional crown in 2022, endured an early scare when Comfort Yeboah punished a defensive mix-up between Florence Alexander and goalkeeper Monle Omini, lifting the ball calmly into an empty net after just two minutes.
But the Nigerians were quick to respond. In the 15th minute, Shakirat Moshood pressed high to steal possession, slalomed past three defenders, and teed up Emem Essien, who nodded home the equaliser.
The goal shifted momentum firmly in Bayelsa’s favour, with midfielders Alaba Olabiyi and Vera Samuel dictating play and keeping USFA pinned back.
The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute. Former Nasarawa Amazons striker Seimeyeha Akekoromowei latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the box and rifled in a thunderous strike that left the USFA goalkeeper stranded.
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The spectacular finish not only sent Bayelsa into the final but also earned Akekoromowei her second Player of the Match award of the tournament, underlining her growing reputation as one of West Africa’s most exciting attacking talents.
Unbeaten so far, Bayelsa Queens will now face Ivorian champions ASEC Mimosas in Friday’s grand finale.
ASEC booked their historic place by thrashing Ghana’s Police Ladies 4-1, becoming the first Ivorian club to reach the WAFU B Women’s Champions League final.
Victory in Friday’s showdown would hand Bayelsa Queens a ticket to the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League, with the added prospect of qualifying for both the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.