Nigerian champions Bayelsa Queens will kick off their quest for a second CAF Women’s Champions League appearance when they feature in the 2025 WAFU B zonal qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from August 9 to 24.
The West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B officially confirmed the dates and host country for the fifth edition of the regional qualifiers, according to a statement published by the Ghana Football Association.
“The West Africa Football Union Zone B has officially announced the date and venue for the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament. The tournament will be held in Ivory Coast from Saturday, August 9 to Sunday, August 24, 2025,” the statement read.
Bayelsa Queens, also known as the Prosperity Girls, will become the first Nigerian team to make two appearances at the WAFU B qualifiers. They made a memorable debut in 2022, defeating Burkina Faso’s US Forces Armées 3–1 in the final before going on to claim third place at the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco — the best-ever finish by a Nigerian club.
The Yenagoa-based side booked their spot at this year’s zonal qualifiers after a dominant run in the 2024–25 Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership Super Six Playoffs, guided by head coach Whyte Ogbonda.
The upcoming WAFU B tournament in Ivory Coast is crucial, as only the winner will secure the region’s sole ticket to the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League final competition.
Edo Queens are the defending WAFU B champions, having defeated Ainonvi FC of Benin Republic 3–0 in the 2024 final, also held in Ivory Coast. They went on to finish fourth at the continental finals in Morocco.
Now in its fifth edition, the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers have grown into a key gateway for West African clubs seeking continental football glory. Bayelsa Queens will be hoping to replicate — or even surpass — their historic 2022 run.
