The Convener of the annual Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament has hinted that the tournament is beyond just kicking the round leather object, but to make a positive impact in society with a fight against social vices.
It was a glamorous atmosphere as 12 participating teams at this year’s edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) have today learned their group opponents for this year’s edition.
The draws as anchored by Dr Kweku Tandoh took place at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, the Edo State.
The colourful ceremony also had the unveiling of the tournament’s match ball as conducted by the First Lady and the wife of the state’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Mrs Maryann Shaibu.
Mrs Betsy Obaseki in her speech emphasized the need to fight social vices to the last and believe doing that with a football platform will go a long way in establishing the objectives.
In her speech, Mrs Betsy said there’s a positive social impact the tournament seeks to achieve; to achieve that, there will be a high-level seminar organised on the eve of the closing ceremony to further preach the topic of the tournament. She mentioned that the first edition was world-class and the tournament has received international recognition from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), for the organizing effort.
She said a lot of improvement will be made in the tournament this year with over ten million naira in place for winners and participating teams.
She further stated that to create impact a seminar will be carried out on the 15th for more enlightenment on the theme this year to address drug abuse and drug use in sports.
The First Lady eloquently posited that the Betsy Obaseki women’s football tournament will be using branded and customized soccer balls in all the matches scheduled for the tournament.
The excited friendly woman thanked and welcomed all participants as well as football stakeholders and guests for their love, not only for her and the state but for the growth of Women’s Football in the country and the female gender.
While giving the opening remarks, the chairperson of the Nigeria Women’s Football League, Ms Aisha Falode expressed pride and joy in being a part of setting records in women’s football, stating that the Betsy Obaseki tournament has taken a peak already as players always look forward to it.
She further stated that football is beyond playing on the field but having a social impact on people and sending a message to the youth as the theme of this edition is tagged “say no to drugs”
She however advised the participating teams should get the message, play fairly and represent their states.”
The executive chairman, of Edo State Sports Commission, OLY Yussuf Alli thanked everyone present for the occasion and promised that this is just the little of what many expect from the state.
The full draw
Group A: Nasarawa Amazons, Braveheart Ladies, FC Robo
Group B: Edo Queens, Royal Queens FC, Royaltoms FC
Group C: Naija Ratels, Fortress Ladies, Confluence Queens.
Group D: Delta Queens, Osun Babes, Heartland Queens
The winners of this year’s edition will go home with 5 million naira, the second 3 million, the third 1.5 million and a cash prize for every other team.