By Paul Aondoakaa 

MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — Benue football has another reason to celebrate after Edo Queens forward Doosuur Anastasia Atume emerged as the Golden Boot winner of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifiers in Burkina Faso.

Atume’s individual achievement came as Edo Queens defeated Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies 4–1 on penalties following a 2–2 draw in the final to win the WAFU-B title and secure qualification for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.

For football followers in Benue, Atume’s success represents another notable moment for a state with a long history of producing football talent who have gone on to compete at national and international levels.

CAF's official tournament report credited Atume with four goals and five assists during the qualifying campaign, underlining her importance to Edo Queens' successful run.

The striker was particularly influential from the opening match. She scored twice as Edo Queens began their campaign with a commanding 7–0 victory over AS GNN, immediately establishing herself as one of the players to watch in the tournament.

She continued to make an impact as the competition progressed, scoring again in the semi-final against hosts USFA before finding the net in the final against Ampem Darkoa.

The final itself produced a dramatic contest.

Ampem Darkoa took the lead in the second minute through Beline Nyarkoh, but Atume responded just two minutes later to bring Edo Queens level.

The Ghanaian side regained the lead in the second half, putting the Nigerian champions under pressure.

Edo Queens, however, refused to give up.

Oluebube Umejiaku scored deep into stoppage time to restore parity and force the match into a penalty shootout.

Edo Queens eventually prevailed 4–1 on penalties to claim the WAFU-B championship and book their place in Africa's premier women's club competition.

Another Golden Boot for Atume

The continental award adds to what has already been an impressive season for Atume.

She previously shared the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Golden Boot, finishing the league season with 13 goals alongside Rivers Angels forward Abasiofon Uwah.

That achievement came during Edo Queens' title-winning NWFL campaign, which earned the club the opportunity to represent Nigeria in the WAFU-B qualifiers.

Now, Atume has followed up her domestic success with individual recognition on the regional continental stage.

For Benue, the achievement also provides an opportunity to shine a light on the state's football talent and the importance of creating pathways through which young players can develop and compete at higher levels.

Atume's latest accomplishment demonstrates how players connected to Benue can make an impact beyond the state when given the opportunity to develop and compete at elite level.

Her journey with Edo Queens also comes at a time when women's football continues to gain greater visibility across Nigeria, with clubs increasingly competing for opportunities on the continental stage.

From Benue to Africa

The significance of Atume's achievement extends beyond the Golden Boot itself.

Edo Queens will now proceed to the CAF Women’s Champions League, taking the WAFU-B region's qualification slot after their successful campaign in Burkina Faso.

For Atume, it is another opportunity to test herself against some of Africa's best women's clubs.

For Benue football supporters, her success offers another name to watch as the continental journey continues.

While further details about Atume's specific hometown, LGA and early football development in Benue should be independently confirmed before publication, her latest achievement is already firmly established: Doosuur Anastasia Atume is the 2026 WAFU-B Golden Boot winner, and Edo Queens are WAFU-B champions and CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

The next stage will provide Atume with another continental platform — and another opportunity to demonstrate the quality and determination that have defined her breakthrough season.