Bayelsa Queens storm into WAFU B semi-finals with convincing win over ASKO

Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions Bayelsa Queens have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League following a commanding 3-0 victory over ASKO of Togo on Wednesday at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.

The Nigerian champions, who began their campaign with a narrow 2-1 win over Police Ladies of Ghana, overcame a sluggish first-half performance to take full control after the break. Despite early struggles in midfield and some nervy moments at the back, Bayelsa kept ASKO at bay to end the first half goalless.

Just two minutes into the second half, pressure from the Nigerian forwards forced ASKO defender Oumou Bani into an own goal, handing Bayelsa the breakthrough. That opener shifted momentum firmly in the direction of the six-time Nigerian league winners.

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Alaba Olabiyi added a second in the 53rd minute with a composed finish, before Shakirat Moshood — who also scored in the opening game — sealed the result with a well-taken goal in the 80th minute.

Midfielder Vera Samuel stood out with a dominant display in the centre of the park, earning her the Player of the Match award as Bayelsa Queens continued their impressive form in the regional tournament.

Speaking in an interview with The Lagos Voice 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 said.

Bayelsa Queens delivered a well-rounded performance, not just in attack but also in defence, as they registered their first clean sheet of the tournament. Centre-back Bunmi Oladeji provided stability at the back, while recent addition Emem Essien continued to grow in confidence, dictating play from midfield with maturity beyond her years.

Head coach Whyte Ogbonda, who previously acknowledged the difficulty of the competition, will take confidence from his team’s unbeaten run so far. With two wins from two matches, Bayelsa sit comfortably at the top of Group B with six points and a semi-final spot already secured.

Their final group fixture comes on Saturday against Sam Nelly FC of Benin Republic. While the result will have no bearing on their progression, Bayelsa are expected to maintain momentum as they set their sights on the knockout stage. The Nigerian side remains determined to reclaim the WAFU B title they last lifted in 2022 and mount a strong challenge for continental honours.

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