Edo Queens‘ remarkable debut at the CAF Women’s Champions League fell short of a medal finish after a dramatic 4-3 penalty loss to Egypt's FC Masar in the third-place playoff.
Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, the Nigerian champions couldn’t convert during regulation time, leading to a heartbreaking shootout defeat.
Bayelsa Queens remain the only Nigerian side to secure a podium finish, having claimed third place in the 2023 edition.
Edo Queen's campaign in retrospect
The 2023/24 Nigeria Women’s Football League champions were drawn in Group B alongside two-time winners Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC, and Egypt’s FC Masar.
Edo Queens opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over the Ethiopian side, with goals from Goodness Osigwe, Emem Essien, and Super Falcons’ Folashade Ijamilusi.
Their second game ended in a goalless stalemate against Masar, leaving their final group game as a must-win. In a thrilling encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns, Edo Queens overcame a 1-0 deficit to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory, with captain Emem Essien equalizing and Mary Mamudu scoring an injury-time winner.
This historic win made Edo Queens the second Nigerian side to reach the knockout stage of the competition.
In the semi-finals, Edo Queens faced TP Mazembe of DR Congo. After taking the lead through Peace Essien in the 65th minute, the Nigerian team conceded a 90th-minute equalizer to Merveille Kanjinga. Extra-time proved costly, as an own goal by Comfort Folorunsho and a penalty from Marlene Kasaj sealed a 3-1 defeat for the Nigerians.
In the third-place playoff, Edo Queens dominated possession against FC Masar but struggled to find the net in regulation time. The match went to penalties, where Masar edged out Edo Queens 4-3. Despite the disappointment, the team remained unbeaten in 90 minutes throughout the tournament.
