The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is gearing up to challenge the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over its decision to annul Edo Queens' penalty-shootout victory in the WAFU Zone B qualifying final for the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League. The development follows a controversial September 5 final between Edo Queens and Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, which ended 2-2 after 90 minutes before Edo Queens won 4-1 in a penalty shootout.
CAF initially recognised Edo Queens as WAFU-B champions, but Ampem Darkoa lodged a protest, arguing that the competition regulations required the match to proceed into extra time before penalties. CAF has now upheld the protest, determining that the direct use of penalties after regulation time was inconsistent with Article 72.4 of the competition regulations. The continental body annulled the penalty shootout and directed that the final resume from the beginning of extra time with the score standing at 2-2.
The NFF legal team is expected to meet to examine CAF's ruling and determine the federation's next line of action as it moves to defend the Nigerian champions. A top source said that the federation is determined to protect Edo Queens' interests and explore available avenues for challenging the continental body's decision. The NFF's legal response could determine whether it seeks clarification, review or another form of redress from CAF.
CAF's decision provides that, as far as practically and legally possible, the continuation should preserve the sporting conditions that existed at the end of the original 90 minutes, including the relevant player, substitution and disciplinary status. The eventual winner of the resumed contest will take the WAFU Zone B qualification ticket for the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League final tournament.
The ruling has generated considerable controversy in Nigerian football circles, particularly because Edo Queens had initially been recognised as champions following the penalty victory. The situation leaves Edo Queens' continental qualification unresolved, with the Nigerian champions facing the prospect of returning to the field to complete the final against Ampem Darkoa.
For the NFF, the immediate priority is now expected to be a detailed examination of CAF's decision, the competition regulations and the circumstances surrounding the instruction that led to the penalty shootout. The federation's response will likely set the tone for its future actions in this matter.
Until the extra-time contest is concluded, neither side can be confirmed as the WAFU-B representative for the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League final tournament. The NFF's challenge will be closely watched by football stakeholders in Nigeria and beyond, as it seeks to defend Edo Queens' interests and navigate the complexities of CAF's regulations.
Key points
- The Nigeria Football Federation is preparing to challenge CAF's decision to annul Edo Queens' penalty-shootout victory in the WAFU Zone B qualifying final.
- CAF upheld Ampem Darkoa's protest, arguing that the competition regulations required the match to proceed into extra time before penalties.
- The NFF's legal response will determine whether it seeks clarification, review or another form of redress from CAF.
