Bayelsa Queens eye top spot as Sam Nelly fights for survival

Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) champions Bayelsa Queens are on the brink of sealing a first-place finish in their group as they head into their final WAFU B group stage match against Sam Nelly FC of the Benin Republic this Saturday.

The “Prosperity Girls” have been in stellar form, leading Group B with a perfect record after two convincing victories: a 2-1 win over Ghana’s Police Ladies and a dominant 3-0 triumph against ASKO de Kara from Togo.

A win or even a draw against Sam Nelly will guarantee them the top spot and a place in the semifinals.

Sam Nelly’s Fight for Survival

For Sam Nelly FC, this match is a do-or-die encounter. After an initial 1-0 win against ASKO, their qualification hopes were jeopardised by a 3-1 loss to Police Ladies. A defeat against the undefeated Bayelsa Queens would end their tournament, meaning they must deliver a monumental performance to stand any chance of advancing.

Meanwhile, Police Ladies revived their hopes with that victory over Sam Nelly and now need to beat a struggling ASKO de Kara side to secure their own spot in the last four. ASKO, having lost both of their opening matches, is now playing for pride, with their chances of advancing all but gone.

The top two teams from Group B will progress to the semifinals, where they will face the top qualifiers from Group A. The overall tournament winner will earn the right to represent the region at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League later this year.

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