A resounding crisis ignites women's football.. Edo Queens file an urgent petition with CAF to annul Ampem Darkoa's Champions League qualification

Nigerian champions Edo Queens have filed a fresh petition with the Confederation of African Football CAF, challenging Ampem Darkoa Ladies' qualification for the CAF Women's Champions League 2026 following Thursday's controversial WAFU-B final in Cairo.

The Nigerian club is seeking the annulment of the 29 October result which saw Ghana's Ampem Darkoa secure a 3-2 victory after the disputed final resumed from the beginning of extra time.

According to Premium Times Nigeria, Edo Queens have raised concerns over the venue change, player eligibility and organisational arrangements, demanding further intervention before the continental tournament begins on 1 November.

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Why are Edo Queens challenging Ampem Darkoa's victory?

The latest dispute follows an extraordinary sequence of events that began on 5 September in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Edo Queens & Ampem Darkoa played out a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes in the WAFU-B qualifying final before the Nigerian side won 4-1 on penalties.

However, the Ghanaian champions challenged the outcome, arguing that the competition regulations required 30 minutes of extra time before a penalty shootout.

CAF's Organising Committee for Women's Football subsequently annulled the shootout result on 26 September.

The decision was upheld by CAF's Appeal Board on 16 October, with both clubs instructed to resume the match from the beginning of extra time, maintaining the 2-2 scoreline.

When play resumed in Cairo on 29 October, Afishata Mohammed scored the decisive goal for Ampem Darkoa in the 92nd minute, securing a 3-2 victory and the regional qualification place.

The outcome was particularly disappointing for Edo Queens who had initially celebrated qualification after their September victory.

Three allegations behind Edo Queens' fresh petition

Edo Queens are now challenging the circumstances under which the decisive extra time period was organised.

The Nigerian club has identified three principal areas of concern.

First, the venue change. Edo Queens allege that moving the continuation from Ouagadougou to Cairo occurred without the required confirmation from WAFU-B.

Second, player eligibility and sporting conditions. The club claims it was prevented from using certain eligible players who had participated in the original encounter.

Edo Queens also raised concerns about accommodation arrangements, alleging that members of their delegation were housed at a military facility rather than a conventional hotel.

Third, official communication. The Nigerian champions claim that information concerning the venue, kick off time and other organisational details was not communicated adequately.

These accusations remain allegations by Edo Queens and have not been established by an independent ruling on the latest complaint.

What are Edo Queens demanding from CAF?

The Nigerian side has asked CAF to invalidate the 29 October continuation and suspend confirmation of Ampem Darkoa's qualification while its latest complaint is considered.

Edo Queens are also requesting access to relevant documentation including match reports, substitution records, player eligibility lists and official venue arrangements.

Their preferred outcome is a complete 90 minute replay under what they consider properly regulated conditions.

Alternatively, should a replay prove impossible before the continental competition begins, Edo Queens want CAF to recognise them as WAFU-B champions and award them the qualification place.

No ruling on this new petition had been publicly confirmed at the time of reporting.

The dispute therefore remains an administrative and regulatory challenge rather than a confirmed case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Ampem Darkoa prepare for the tournament despite the dispute

Despite the latest protest, CAF officially confirmed Ampem Darkoa's qualification on 29 October.

The Ghanaian champions have been placed in Group B alongside defending champions AS FAR of Morocco, Uganda's Kawempe Muslim Ladies and Mali's USFAS Bamako.

Ampem Darkoa are scheduled to begin their campaign against USFAS Bamako on 2 November in Ismailia, Egypt.

Their qualification followed an impressive regional campaign.

As previously reported by Foot Africa, Ampem Darkoa finished top of their qualifying group, defeating Edo Queens 2-1 during the preliminary group stage.

Both teams subsequently advanced to the WAFU-B final after convincing semi final victories.

The Ghanaian side are seeking another appearance in the continental finals after previously qualifying in 2023 while Edo Queens reached the semi finals of the 2024 edition.

Could CAF change the qualification decision before 1 November?

The timing of the latest petition presents a significant challenge.

The CAF Women's Champions League 2026 is scheduled to take place from 1 to 15 November, leaving little time for any administrative intervention before the tournament begins.

A decision in Edo Queens' favour could potentially reopen the qualification dispute but filing a petition does not automatically invalidate Ampem Darkoa's victory or suspend their participation.

Any change would require a further decision by the competent football authorities.

For now, Ampem Darkoa remain the officially recognised WAFU-B representatives while Edo Queens continue to challenge the procedure that determined the final result.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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