Edo Queens FC of Benin overpowered Bayelsa Queens FC with a 4-3 win on penalty shootout after 1-1 regulation time draw at the final match of the third edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) on Wednesday, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The First Lady of Edo State, Her Excellency, Betsy Obaseki, performing the ceremonial kick at the final, expressed satisfaction on the success recorded in the tournament.
Mrs Betsy Obaseki stated that the 2023 edition of BOWFT has the highest number of First Ladies watching the final game at the prestigious Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The Edo State First Lady stated that this year’s tournament focused on addressing Gender-Based Violence in the country through football.
Mrs Betsy Obaseki added that every year, the tournament seeks to fight against social vices ravaging the society.
“Every year, we seek to fight against different social vices in the society and so far, we have made tremendous success in the fight.
“We thanked everyone that has travelled from around the country to Edo State to watch the tournament. This year, we have the largest number of first ladies watching the final, we are really grateful,” Betsy said.
In the thrilling final game, Bayelsa Queens FC took the lead in the 12th minute from a shot outside the 18-yard box from Abiola, while Edo Queens’ Eunice Godwin with a well-placed strike from the side of the box leveled the scoreline 40 minutes into the first half of the match.
In the second half, Suliat Abideen could not convert a penalty at added time, pushing the game into a penalty shootout.
Edo Queens player, Joy Jerry’s first penalty kick hit the crossbar. The Royal Queens notwithstanding, recovered and proceeded to a grandstanding win, as their opponents missed two chances to end the game 4-3 on penalties.
Earlier in the day, Delta Queens spanked Remo Stars Ladies 3-1 to secure the third spot behind Bayelsa Queens who finished in the second place.
Edo Queens head coach, Moses Aduku claimed the best coach of the tournament’s award, while Suliat Abideen won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. Robo FC player, Folashade Damilusi, won the Golden Boot award with 6 goals. The best goalkeeper of the tournament went to Bayelsa Queens goalkeeper Oniyan Okeke.
The tournament had13 teams contested for BOWFT 2023 championship title, namely, Edo Queens FC, Fortress Ladies FC, FC Robo, Delta Queens FC, Niger Ratels FC, Osun Babes FC, Ekiti Queens FC, Confluence Queens FC, Heartland FC, Rivers Angels FC, Nasarawa Queens FC, Bayelsa Queens FC and Remo Stars Ladies FC.
