posted October 28, 2023
The ongoing Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) 2023 featuring several women’s football teams, has witnessed the Edo Queens, Robo FC, Bayelsa Queens, and Delta Queens leading their respective groups and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Other teams that have made it to the next stage include Remo Star Ladies, Nasarawa Amazons, Heartland Queens, and Ekiti Queens.
Teams that didn’t advance in the tournament, such as Naija Ratels, Confluence Queens, Fortress Ladies, Royal Queens, and Honey Badgers, were presented with consolation prizes. This gesture is intended to recognize their participation and efforts in the competition.
BOWFT is an annual women’s football competition that takes place in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It is organized by Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, the Edo First Lady, in collaboration with private sector partners. The tournament serves multiple purposes:
BOWFT aims to empower young girls and women by providing them with opportunities to participate in competitive football. This encourages female participation in sports and fosters their development in this field.
The tournament promotes grassroots sports development by showcasing the talent and potential of young female footballers. It serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing emerging talents.
Each year, BOWFT highlights a specific social issue. In 2023, the theme is “End Gender-Based Violence.” The tournament seeks to raise awareness about this critical issue and mobilize public support for efforts to combat gender-based violence.
BOWFT also aims to discourage social vices by emphasizing social causes and encouraging positive community engagement. It serves as a means to promote social responsibility and consciousness.
The tournament offers a substantial prize pool, with a total aggregate prize of N60 million for the 2023 edition. Matches are held at four sports facilities in Edo 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 2023 BOWFT, in addition to being a football competition, serves as a platform to address critical social issues and promote gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence. It runs from October 23rd to November 1st, 2023, and its ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on society by using sports as a vehicle for change.