After 9 days of enthralling sporting action, the curtains came down on the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournaments, 2022 with a grand closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Edo State on Friday.
The closing ceremony began with a theatrical presentation which featured a Cultural display depicting tidbits of the state’s cultural diversity to the cheer of the large crowd.
A dance performance by cheerleaders themed after the tournament “say no to drugs” gave a choreographed dance which added a unique touch to the ceremony to the pleasure of spectators.
The upbeat mood was lit up the more as Mrs. Betsy Obaseki gave her closing speech, she appreciated everyone present and gave kudos to partners, and stakeholders, including sponsors, participating teams and officials.
Invited to the podium with her were the Minister of youth and sports development Mr Sunday Dare, the wife of the deputy governor of Edo state, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, the first lady of Ekiti state, Mrs Bisi Adeleye to give a brief speech.
The minister of Youth and sports development Mr Sunday Dare commended the efforts of women in general as they have made the nation proud in sports.
Mrs. Olabisi Fayemi also commended all Governors wives from different state present for the ceremony.
The first half of the game was full of quick and ardent responses from both sides as they locked horns.
The intensity of the game grew more after FC Robo broke the deadlock in the 24th minute courtesy of Oladiti Rukayat’s low shot that beat all Edo Queens’ defence line, to put her side ahead in the battle.
Edo Queens struggled to avert the dangers of their rivals having more goals and were keener on equalizing before the end of the first half, chances were created by the Obaseki Girls but FC Robo shot-stopper denied them throughout the duration.
The second half began with expectations on the part of Edo Queens to possibly equalize and even go as far as outscoring their opponents.
Edo Queens had the chance to hit very hard on their opponents but FC Robo Queens remained resilient.
The FC Robo team put up a more ardent defensive play to ensure they are on track, chances were gotten but couldn’t be converted.
At the end of the match, FC Robo Queens emerged as the champions of the second edition of the Betsy-obaseki women’s tournament by a lone goal.
The presentation ceremony started immediately with individual awards given to stand-out players in the team. Presentation of medals and trophies to the third-placed Delta Queens, second-placed Edo Queens and the champions.
The referees of the final match were not left out as they were also presented with awards.
The winners of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament were also presented with medals and the cheque of 5 million naira was presented by Her excellency Mrs Monica Ugochi Uguwanyi first lady of Enugu State to FC Robo Queens while the trophy was presented to the team by the founder and convener of the tournament Mrs Betsy Obaseki, first lady Edo State.
The curtain draws with fireworks lighting up the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium and environs to the hearty cheers of the crowd.