Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) champions Bayelsa Queens have missed out on qualification for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League after suffering a heartbreaking 8-7 penalty shootout defeat to Ivorian champions ASEC Mimosas in the final of the WAFU B qualifiers on Friday, Bold Sports reports.
The tightly contested encounter ended 1-1 in regulation time before Bayelsa Queens faltered in the shootout, allowing ASEC to secure their maiden ticket to the continental showpiece.
For the second straight match, Bayelsa Queens were undone by an early setback as ASEC Mimosas capitalised on a lapse in their defence. Diallo Ami was left unmarked in the box and was clinical in front of goal, sticking the ball home in the fourth minute to ignite celebrations among the home supporters.
Bayelsa Queens quickly regained their footing and drew level in the 18th minute, as Emem Essien rose highest to nod in the equaliser. The in-form forward continued her fine run for the Prosperity Girls, having also struck the crucial leveller in the semifinals.
Both sides had opportunities to seal victory but failed to make them count, leaving the score tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Extra time also produced no breakthrough, forcing the contest to be decided by a penalty shootout.
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ASEC Mimosas were clinical in the shootout, converting all their spot kicks with composure, while Bayelsa Queens faltered on their final attempt — a miss that dashed their bid to secure a place in the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The defeat marked a frustrating conclusion to the Nigerian champion’s WAFU B journey, having previously swept through the competition with four consecutive wins, including a 2-1 victory over USFA, who ultimately secured third place after beating Police Ladies.
The result also means there will be no Nigerian representative in the CAF Women’s Champions League while ASEC Mimosas will represent Ivory Coast and will be hoping to continue their impressive upward trajectory at the continental level.
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