Delta Queens, the reigning champions of the Nigeria Women’s Football League, faced a heartbreaking defeat on Thursday night that cost them the opportunity to represent West Africa’s football sub-region, WAFU B, at the CAF Women’s Champions League.
In a tightly contested final match held at the newly renovated Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the NWFL team suffered a 0-1 loss to the formidable Ampem Darkoa, the champions of Ghana’s women’s football.
The crucial moment came in the 43rd minute of the first half when Amponsah Ophelia netted a goal to secure victory for the Ghanaian champions.
Despite a series of second-half effort led by Delta Queens’ coach Tosan Blankson, who made strategic substitutions by bringing in captain Taiwo Afolabi, the talented striker Mercy Omokwo, and Samuel Vera in place of Folajomi Olabiyi, Esther Inyang, and Chidera Okenwa, the Nigerian Women’s Club Champions couldn’t turn the tide in their favor.
Unfortunately, Blankson’s tactical decision to introduce his top players came too late in the game, causing a costly setback for the Queens of Asaba.
Delta Queens had previously demonstrated their prowess by defeating Cote D’Ivoire Women’s Football Club Champions, Athletico of Abidjan, with a convincing 2-0 victory in the first semi-finals.
On the other side, Ampem Darkoa from Ghana displayed their dominance by overpowering Sam Nelly of Benin Republic with a commanding 6-1 win in the second semi-final, earning them a spot in the sub-regional women’s football championship final.
This outcome means that the Nigerian champions will miss the chance to compete in this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League, marking a significant disappointment for the team.
