Edo Queens begin their 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign against AS Garde Nationale of Niger on Monday. The Nigerian champions face AS GNN in their opening Group B match of the WAFU-B qualifying tournament in Burkina Faso.
The Edo-based side return to the regional competition with previous success behind them. Edo Queens won the WAFU-B title in 2024. They now want another regional triumph and a return to the CAF Women’s Champions League final tournament.
The Nigerian champions secured their place in the qualifiers after winning the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership title.
That domestic success now gives them another shot at continental glory. The WAFU-B tournament serves as the regional qualification route for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
That makes Edo Queens’ opening fixture against AS GNN especially important.
Edo Queens captain Odiagbe Deborah has called for a strong start.
The defender was part of the squad that won the WAFU-B title two years ago. She believes that experience can help the current team handle the pressure.
“Honestly, we are fully ready,” Odiagbe said. “Our first time was two years ago and we won it. We are confident. The team spirit and mentality are high. We are winning.”
She also stressed the importance of the opening fixture.
“The first game is very important and we are fully ready with a winning mentality,” she stated.
Odiagbe has another personal target. She wants to lift the trophy again, this time as captain.
“I will be so happy to have won it twice. It will be special to win as a captain too,” she said.
The Nigerian champions have three group matches ahead.
They begin against AS GNN before facing ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire. Their final group fixture comes against Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies.
Edo Queens therefore cannot afford a slow start. A positive result against AS GNN would provide an early boost before the tougher group fixtures.
The WAFU-B campaign also offers Edo Queens a chance to restore their continental presence. Their previous regional success showed they can compete at this level.
Now, they must repeat that standard.
For Edo Queens, the target goes beyond winning an opening match. They are chasing another WAFU-B crown and a place among Africa’s leading women’s clubs.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
