BOWFT 2023: Edo Set to Welcome 13 NWFL Teams on Sunday for 3rd edition of Annual Tournament

The third edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) is set to kick off in Benin City, Edo State, from Monday, October 23, to Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

The preseason football competition will feature 13 prominent teams from the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) competing for a total prize of N60 million.

The tournament will take place at four sports facilities within the state, including the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, University of Benin Sports Complex, Western Boys Mini-Stadium, and the Edo State College of Nursing and Health Sciences Mini-Stadium.

The 13 participating teams in the BOWFT 2023 are:
Edo Queens
Naija Ratels
Remo Stars
Nasarawa Amazons
Bayelsa Queens
Confluence Queens
FC Robo
Fortress FC
Heartland Queens
Rivers Angels
Delta Queens
Ekiti Queens
Osun Babes FC
The BOWFT is an initiative spearheaded by Edo State’s First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, in partnership with private sector collaborators. It aims to empower and nurture the girl-child while promoting grassroots sports development in Edo State and Nigeria.

This year’s edition carries the theme “End Gender-Based Violence” and seeks to raise awareness about and combat gender-based violence in all its forms. It also highlights the efforts made by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led State Government over the past seven years to address this issue.

The tournament’s activities commenced with the draws and the official unveiling of the mascot and theme song at the Presidential Villa in Government House, Benin City.

According to Crusoe Osagie, the Chairman of the Communications Sub-Committee for the tournament, all necessary preparations have been made for this sporting spectacle.

He said “All is set for the hosting of the competition, known for its eclectic atmosphere. The participating teams will be arriving in Benin City tomorrow, Sunday, October 22, 2023. All the required facilities have been put in place as the participating team will be received on arrival on the same day at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.”

The event is expected to draw enthusiastic support from fans, spectators, and local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

In his words, “We are ready to receive the participating teams, officials, spectators, and visitors alike. Fans and supporters are eager to throng the tournament venues, ready to cheer their teams to victory. Local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and transportation services, among others, are all set to benefit from the event which promises to be an unforgettable sporting spectacle.”