NFF challenges CAF decision to protect Edo Queens’ continental berth
The NFF has appealed CAF’s decision to void Edo Queens’ shootout win over Ampem Darkoa Ladies, arguing the team should not be penalized for an administrative error made by match officials.
The Nigeria Football Federation has launched a formal legal appeal against the Confederation of African Football following a controversial ruling that voided Edo Queens’ victory in the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
The regulatory dispute stems from the regional final held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where the Nigerian champions initially secured a 4-1 penalty shootout win over Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Following a protest by the Ghanaian club, continental administrators annulled the shootout result.
CAF ruled that tournament regulations strictly required two 15-minute extra-time periods before penalties and ordered the match to resume from extra time at 2-2.
In its official submission to CAF’s Appeals Committee, the NFF argued that the omission of extra time resulted entirely from an administrative error by match officials, for which neither club held responsibility.
The federation emphasized that Edo Queens simply followed the direct instructions of the match arbiters.
The appeal contends that compliance with referee directives should not result in retrospective sporting penalties, urging the committee to distinguish between administrative irregularities and competitive outcomes.
The resolution of the appeal carries significant stakes for Nigerian women’s football as a successful outcome will confirm Edo Queens’ regional crown and guarantee their direct slot in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League.
