posted October 20, 2023
…holds draws, unveils mascots, theme song,
…Edo First Lady hails Edo Queens for Sheroes Cup victory
The Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) has become a leading annual women’s football tournament in Edo State, organized mainly to promote the development of young girls in Nigeria through the platform of football.
Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, the First Lady of Edo State, stated that the tournament has been successful in attracting increased private sector sponsorship, which will help ensure its sustainability beyond 2024.
The third edition of the BOWFT, with the theme “End Gender-Based Violence,” was officially launched at the Presidential Villa in Government House, Benin City. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 23rd, 2023, and it will feature 13 female teams competing for pre-season glory.
The teams have been drawn into different groups for the tournament:
Group A: Edo Queens, Naija Ratels, Remo Stars Group B: Nasarawa Amazons, Bayelsa Queens, Confluence Queens Group C: FC Robo, Fortress FC, Heartland Queens, Rivers Angel Group D: Delta Queens, Ekiti Queens, Osun Babes FC
Mrs. Betsy Obaseki highlighted that the tournament has been growing since its first edition and has maintained its commitment to ensuring high standards and world-class recognition. She also mentioned that the BOWFT has received recognition from FIFA, the international governing body of football. This recognition reflects the significance of the tournament in promoting women’s football and empowering young girls in Nigeria.
According to her, “This tournament is private sector-driven and it has nothing to do with the Edo State Government as the tournament will continue to be held even after my husband leaves office as it’s funded by the private sector.
“Sponsorship for this tournament continues to increase every year because corporate entities see what we are doing and they have begun to identify with the tournament. We got an award from FIFA for the tournament and this gave us international recognition.”
Betsy Obaseki said most of the clubs participating in the pre-season tournament play in the top female league in Nigeria except two others amateur teams from Edo State brought in to be groomed, trained and exposed.
She added, “This is geared towards creating a pathway for girls to excel in this noble football career.
“The governor has fought to eradicate human trafficking and illegal migration in the State and this tournament has added value to that fight and today Edo State which used to be number one is nowhere near number 10.”
On other activities lined up for the tournament, she said, “The tournament also has a seminar on the side where speakers are brought in to discuss issues affecting the girl-child. In the first edition, the theme was “Promoting the Girl-Child”. For the second edition, we had “Fight Against Drug Abuse”. This year’s edition is “End Gender-Based Violence.”
Betsy Obaseki, who received a trophy won by Edo Queens at the 6th edition of the Sheroes Cup organized by Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Abuja, rewarded the female team with N1 million, charging them to ensure that they win the third edition of BOWFT in Benin City.”
The female Football teams in this year’s tournament are representing Nasarawa, Edo, Bayelsa, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Imo and Osun States.
Guests at the event include sports editors from media houses across the nation; Executive Chairman Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Ali; former Chairman, Edo State Football Association, Frank Ilaboya, amongst others.