WAFU Zone B Women’s Champions League Qualifiers enhancing growth of women’s football

The conclusion of the group stage of the WAFU Zone B Women’s Champions League Qualification Tournament has offered another compelling reminder of the remarkable strides being made in women’s football across West Africa.

The competition has brought together champions from across the region and, in just a few match days, produced a fascinating mixture of established power, emerging talent and unexpected results.

The performances of USFA, Ampem Darkoa Ladies and Edo Queens have particularly stood out, but the overall quality of the tournament has demonstrated that the gap between the leading women’s clubs in the region is gradually narrowing.

Edo Queens arrived with considerable expectations and immediately announced themselves with a stunning 7-0 victory over AS Garde Nationale. Their attacking quality remained evident throughout the group stage, as they finished with 11 goals — the highest tally of any team. Ampem Darkoa Ladies, however, proved that reputation alone means little when they defeated the Nigerian giants 2-1 to finish top of Group B.

USFA have been equally impressive. The Burkinabè champions combined defensive solidity with attacking efficiency, scoring eight goals without conceding in their two group matches. Their 5-0 victory over ASKO de KARA was particularly emphatic and secured top spot in Group A.

For WAFU Zone B Executive Director Phillippe Tchere, such performances represent more than sporting entertainment; they are a reflection of a changing football landscape.

“The development of women’s football cannot happen overnight, but tournaments like this show that the foundation is becoming stronger. Clubs are becoming more competitive, players are becoming more technically prepared and coaches are demanding higher standards. This is exactly the direction we want women’s football in WAFU B to take,” he said.

16-year-old Edo Queens winger Oluwakemi Adebunyi

The tournament has also highlighted the importance of giving young players opportunities to compete on an international stage. Sixteen-year-old Edo Queens forward Oluwakemi Adebunyi was among the players who caught the eye, producing a goal and an assist against ASEC Mimosas and earning the Player of the Match award.

Phillippe believes that creating more opportunities for such talents will be crucial to the continued development of the region.

“Our responsibility is to continue creating platforms where these young women can compete, learn and grow. The more international matches they play, the more confidence they gain. Ultimately, that benefits not only their clubs but also the national teams and African women’s football as a whole,” he explained.

The WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualification tournament is also providing clubs with valuable experience of playing under continental-level pressure. Every match has carried significance, with qualification, pride and the opportunity to represent the zone at the CAF Women’s Champions League all at stake.