The Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament (BOWFT), one of Nigeria’s largest annual women’s pre-season football events, is gearing up for its fourth season.
Scheduled to run from October 2 to October 13, the tournament will feature 14 teams, including two international clubs from the Benin Republic. The participating Nigerian teams include Edo Queens, Fortress Ladies, Bayelsa Queens, Delta Queens, Rivers Angels, Heartland Queens, Abia Angels, FC Robo Queens, Ekiti Queens, Naija Ratels, Nasarawa Amazons, and Confluence Queens, who will compete alongside Espoir FC de Cotonou and Aigle Royal d’Adjara from Benin.
The tournament, organized by Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, Edo State First Lady, continues to blend sport with social activism. This year’s theme, “Say No To Teen Pregnancy & Child Marriage,” emphasizes the event’s dedication to raising awareness about critical social issues affecting young women while celebrating the advancement of women’s football.
Addressing a sports press briefing on Tuesday, which was held at the Edo State Government House, Benin City, Mrs. Obaseki shared her pride in the growth and impact of the tournament, which aims to empower the girl child, promote grassroots sports development, and address the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and child marriage, particularly in rural communities.
“This year’s theme, ‘Say No to Teenage Pregnancy and Child Motherhood,’ underscores the urgent need to tackle these issues,” she stated.
Mrs. Obaseki also lauded the achievements of Edo Queens, the state-owned women’s football team, which has gained recognition by winning several national and international titles, including the prestigious West African championship. She highlighted the success of three Edo Queens players currently representing Nigeria at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia, demonstrating the tournament’s role in nurturing young talent.
Despite her tenure coming to an end, Mrs. Obaseki reassured Nigerians that the tournament would continue beyond her term.
“Even after my tenure ends, the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament will persist as a private initiative, supported by a dedicated board of trustees,” she maintained.
She also announced the appointment of a marketing consultant to attract sponsorship and ensure the tournament’s sustainability and growth.
The tournament promises high stakes this year with an increased prize pool. The champion team will receive ₦10,000,000; the runner-up will earn ₦7,000,000; the third-place team will take home ₦5,000,000; and the fourth-place finisher will be awarded ₦3,000,000. In addition, all participating teams will receive an appearance fee of ₦750,000.
The Edo Queens, who won the last edition by defeating Bayelsa Queens on penalties at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, are among the favourites to win again.
“The focus of the tournament is not just about sports; it’s about creating opportunities and fostering a brighter future for young women,” Mrs. Obaseki emphasized.
She expressed her hope that the tournament will continue to empower young women and provide them with opportunities for career development and growth.
As the 2024 edition approaches, the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament is set to deliver another exciting and meaningful event. With its commitment to social causes, international recognition, and focus on sustainability, this tournament is poised to remain a premier event in Nigerian football, showcasing the power of sports in driving social change and empowering young women.
