Edo State First Lady, Betsy Obaseki, on Monday, declared open the 3rd edition of the Betsy Obaseki Preseason Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) open in Benin.
She said that the annual competition is the only preseason women’s tournament in Africa recognized by world football governing body, FIFA.
The third edition of the tournament with the theme, “End Gender-Based Violence,” is holding in Benin, between Monday 23 to October 31, 2023.
Thirteen (13) teams from the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) would be battling for the N60 million aggregate prize for the tournament.
Winner of the tournament is expected to go home with N7 million naira, while the second, third and fourth positions will bag N5 million, N3 million naira, Marley and N1.5 million respectively.
The other nine participating teams will get N750, 000 each, among other consolation prizes.
Declaring the tournament open amid pomp and ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin, Mrs. Obaseki charged the participating teams to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the period of the competition.
She noted that the competition is the foremost preseason tournament of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) featuring top women football clubs across the Country.
“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.”
“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.”, she said
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.
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