Photo Credit: Bayelsa Queens/X
Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens began their CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU B campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana champions Police Ladies in Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria under-17 women’s national team midfielder Shakirat Moshood was the star of the show as she scored one and created the other for Bayelsa Queens. She was named the Player of the Match for her industrious display.
Player of the Match
Shakirat Moshood shines in our opening game with 1️⃣ Goal & 1️⃣ Assist as the Prosperity Girls secure a 2–1 victory! #CAFWCL | #WAFUB | #ProsperityGirls pic.twitter.com/hJuxm6a3Fn— Bayelsa Queens Fc (@Bayelsaqueensfc) August 24, 2025
The first decisive moment came through teenager Shakirat Moshood, who boosted her growing reputation with a brilliant opener.
Just 12 minutes into the match at the Stade Charles Konan Banny, the 17-year-old forward collected a pass on the edge of the area, turned sharply away from her marker, and drove a powerful left-footed strike beyond the goalkeeper.
— Bayelsa Queens Fc (@Bayelsaqueensfc) August 24, 2025
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It was a reminder of the quality she displayed at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, where she produced four goals and an assist in just four appearances.
Bayelsa Queens carried the lead into the second half and extended their advantage in the 62nd minute.
Super Falcons forward Emem Essien met a precise cross from Moshood with a composed finish into the top corner, leaving Police Ladies struggling to regroup.
Bayelsa Queens second Goal scorer
81’ Bayelsa Queens 2-1 Police ladies pic.twitter.com/xpFivKRhYF— Bayelsa Queens Fc (@Bayelsaqueensfc) August 24, 2025
The Ghanaian champions did manage to halve the deficit shortly afterwards through Mary Berko, but the Nigerian side showed defensive resilience to protect their lead until the final whistle.
The result gives Bayelsa Queens an important early boost in Group A of the qualifiers. It is their first win of this year’s tournament and sets the tone for the two remaining fixtures: against Togo’s ASKO FC on 27 August and Benin Republic’s Sam Nelly on 30 August.
For the Prosperity Girls, this victory also continues a proud tradition.
The six-time NWFL Premiership winners, managed by coach Whyte Ogbonda, are no strangers to success on the continental stage. They lifted the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in 2022 and went on to secure a third-place finish in the main competition that year.
With their strong opening performance in Côte d’Ivoire, Bayelsa Queens have positioned themselves as one of the sides to beat in the qualifiers. Their blend of youth and experience, epitomised by Moshood and Essien, offers a clear indication of their ambition to return to the CAF Women’s Champions League proper.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.