WAFU-B Champions League: Delta Queens beat Sam Nelly to finish top of Group A

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Delta Queens finished top of Group A after a 2-0 win against Sam Nelly of Benin Republic in the last group game of the West African Zone B (WAFU-B) Zonal Qualifiers for the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League on Friday.

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership champions had already booked a place in the semi-final with a game to spare and only needed to avoid defeat to finish top of the group.

Delta Queens coach Tosan Blankson kept faith with Anderline Mgbechi in goal alongside Ifeoma Ofitezue, Chidera Okenwa, Rebecca Adegbemile, Taiwo Afolabi, Temilope Owoeye, Mercy Omokwo, Chisom Henry, Honor Nwadigo, Effion-Anwan Ekeng, and Joy Michael.

Sam Nelly started the game with some former players from the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL).

Sourakatou Alassane started in goal alongside Zainab Salaudeen, Saoudatou Imorou, Rukayat Issa, Hannah Kanu, Titilayo Abdullahi, Taiwo Akinyinka, Abibath Bake Zato, Blessing Onyenaucheya, Blessing Barnabas, and Deborah Ayotunde.

Former Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons player, Temilope Owoeye opened the scoring for Blankson’s side in the 34th minute.

She received a pass inside the box before hitting a right-footed shot with reached the top left corner.

Nine minutes after the halftime break, Delta Queens doubled their lead from a corner kick.

Chisom Henry’s corner kick wasn’t headed in, leaving Ifeoma Ifituzue the chance to hit the ball into the back of the net in the 54th minute.

The Asaba-based side almost increased the lead later on but missed chances to make it 3-0.

The team qualified for the semi-final alongside Sam Nelly from Group A, while Burkina Faso champions, USFA crashed out of the tournament.

Delta Queens will face Group B runners-up in the semi-final while Sam Nelly settles scores with Group B winners.