posted October 24, 2023
The Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has inaugurated the third edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT). This annual competition is unique in Africa as it is recognized by FIFA as the only preseason women’s tournament on the continent. The tournament is taking place in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, from October 23rd to November 1st, 2023.
Thirteen teams from the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) are competing for a total prize of N60 million in this tournament. The matches are held at four sports facilities within 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 winning team will receive N7 million, and the second, third, and fourth positions will be awarded N5 million, N3 million, and N1.5 million, respectively. The other nine participating teams will also receive N750,000 each along with additional consolation prizes.
The tournament’s theme for this year is “End Gender-Based Violence,” and in a grand ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, to declare the tournament open. Mrs. Betsy Obaseki encouraged the participating teams to compete with the spirit of sportsmanship.
She noted that the competition is the foremost preseason tournament of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) featuring top women football clubs across the Country.
Mrs. Obaseki said, “This tournament is recognized by FIFA and happens to be the only one in Africa. Every year, as we organize the competition, we seek to address social vices affecting the girl-child.
“The first year, we fought against human trafficking, the second edition it was against drug abuse and this third edition we are fighting to stop gender-based violence.”
She added, “We thank you all for taking time to join us at this tournament. We have a whole week for the tournament which will come to an end by the 31st of this month. On the last day of the tournament, we would be having a seminar where experts will be invited to talk to the girls on gender-based violence.
“I declare the third edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) open in Benin City, Edo State.”
Other guests at the event include the Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and other members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners and other top government functionaries.
