Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League after a convincing 3-0 victory over ASKO of Togo at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, on Wednesday.
The six-time Nigeria Women’s Football League champions, who opened their campaign with a 2-1 win against Ghana’s Police Ladies, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half.
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Their midfield was unusually subdued, pushing much of the play to the flanks. Defensive lapses also gifted ASKO half-chances, but Bayelsa held firm to go into the break level.
The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half when ASKO defender Oumou Bani, under pressure, bundled the ball into her own net. The goal lifted the Nigerians, who then took control of the contest.
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Alaba Olabiyi struck in the 53rd minute to double the lead, before Shakirat Moshood, already on the scoresheet in the opening match, sealed the victory with a fine finish in the 80th minute.
Vera Samuel wins Player of the Match
Midfielder Vera Samuel delivered a commanding performance that earned her the Player of the Match award.
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Speaking after the game, she expressed her delight, “The Player of the Match means everything to me. It shows I’m on the right path. Everyone put up a good fight, and I’m happy. Coming fourth in the last Women’s CAF Champions League was a tough one, but we’ve learned our lessons. Our biggest motivation now is to win the CAF Women’s Champions League. The team is hungry to make history,” she told The Lagos Voice.
Bayelsa also impressed at the back, recording their first clean sheet of the tournament.
Bunmi Oladeji held the defence together, while new signing Emem Essien showed her growing influence in midfield.
Head coach Whyte Ogbonda, who had earlier described the tournament as a “tough path,” will be buoyed by the progress of his squad, now unbeaten in Group B with six points from two matches.
Eyes on the Knockout Stage
With qualification already secured, Bayelsa will face Sam Nelly of Benin in their final group game on Saturday. However, the focus has already shifted to the knockout rounds, where the team will aim to reclaim the WAFU B regional crown they last won in 2022 and push for continental glory.
