Bayelsa Queens started their CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU B Qualifiers on a strong note with a 2-1 victory over Ghana’s Police Ladies on Sunday at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.
The Nigerian champions struck first in the 12th minute through Shakirat Moshood, before Emem Essien doubled the lead just after the hour mark.
Police Ladies pulled one back in the 67th minute through Mary Berko, but Bayelsa Queens stood firm to claim all three points.
The match carried the familiar Nigeria–Ghana rivalry, with both teams fighting hard for early control in Group B.
The result gives Bayelsa Queens, known as The Prosperity Girls, an early boost in their bid to reach the semi-finals. The team has strengthened its squad with some of the best players from the Nigerian Women’s Football League and is aiming to return to the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Only the winners of the WAFU B Qualifiers will qualify for this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League, where they will join other regional champions in Africa’s top women’s club competition.