Niger’s AS Police pulls out of 2023 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Ahead of the opening games of the 2023 West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) Zonal Qualifiers in Benin City, AS Police from Niger Republic has withdrawn from the competition.

The Nigerien champions’ withdrawal are connected to the recent military intervention in the West African nation.

The Nigerian giants was aiming to participate in their second appearance at the tournament slated to take place from August 18 to 31 but their withdrawal ended their bid to reach the finals of the Caf Women’s Champions League.

AS Police absence means the two remaining teams – Ampem Darkoa of Ghana and  Amis du Monde of Togo in Group B will play each other to determine the group winners and have sealed a place in the semi-final.

The Ghanaian side reached the final of the last edition, before losing 3-0 to the Nigerian side, Bayelsa Queens, and maintaining the run of teams from Nigeria and Ghana making it to the final since the maiden edition in 2021.

Hassacas Ladies (Ghana) defeated Rivers Angels (Nigeria) in the final of the maiden edition in 2021. With the latest development, six teams will participate in the 2023 edition of the WAFU-B Zonal Qualifies.

Group A houses host, Delta Queens (Nigeria), USFA (Burkina Faso), Athletico FC (Ivory Coast), and SAM Nelly (Benin Republic).

The winner of the tournament on August 31 will pick the zone’s sole ticket and join Atletico FC, having already qualified as hosts for the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League in Ivory Coast later this year.