13 teams battle for glory as Betsy Obaseki women football tourney begins Monday

All is set for the kick-off of the 3rd Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) begins on Monday in Benin.

Thirteen teams, according to the organisers, will battle for pre-season glory at the annual soccer tournament.

The Chairman, Communication Sub-Committee for the tournament, Crusoe Osagie, in a statement on Tuesday, said the tournament would hold between Oct. 23 and Nov. 1.

Osagie listed the participating teams to include Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Delta Queens, FC Robo, Naija Ratels, Nasarawa Amazons and Osun Babes.

Others are Confluence Queens, Fortress Ladies, Ekiti Babes, Remo Stars Ladies FC and Heartland.

“Four venues have been scheduled to host this year’s tournament.

“These are the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, University of Benin Sports Complex, Western Boys High School mini stadium, Edo State College of Nursing and Health Sciences mini stadium and University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

“Thirteen prestigious women’s football clubs in the country have confirmed their attendance and participation.

“The teams will be arriving in Benin City on Sunday, October 22nd, 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,” he said.

The media committee chairman said there would be a press briefing to unveil the mascot for the tourney.

The draw for the event, he said, would be held under the full glare of the media to ensure credibility and transparency.

Osagie stated that: “The first matches will be played on Monday, October 23, 2023, by 5 p.m. after the opening event at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

“The third place and finals of the tournament will be played on Wednesday, 1st of November 2023, after which trophies and consolation prizes will be handed over to participating clubs as part of the closing ceremony.”

Supreme News reports that the theme for the 2023 event is “End Gender-Based Violence,” and it is aimed at harnessing sporting talents, highlighting Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s efforts to end gender-based violence in the state.