In a dazzling exhibition of artistry and classic football, Edo Queens FC illuminated the pitch on a memorable Monday, securing their spot in the final of the third edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament (BOWFT) with a resounding 3-0 victory over the formidable Remo Star Ladies.
The action-packed 90-minute clash unfolded at the Western Boys Mini-Stadium in the heart of Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Edo State. A passionate crowd, fervently cheering for their favorites, filled the stadium to capacity, setting the stage for a memorable encounter.
The standout of the match, Goodness Osigiwe, showcased her exceptional prowess by netting two brilliant goals for Edo Queens. Suliyat Abideen chimed in with another goal, sealing a dominant performance and securing their place in the finals.
Though Remo Star Ladies displayed admirable resilience throughout the contest, they found themselves thwarted by Edo Queens’ impenetrable defense, leaving them in search of a elusive goal throughout the 90-minute spectacle.
The stage is now set for a showdown of epic proportions as Edo Queens prepare to take on Bayelsa Queens in the final. The grand finale is slated for Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and will grace the magnificent Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in the vibrant city of Benin.
In another thrilling semifinal matchup, Bayelsa Queens clinched their spot in the finals through a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, emerging victorious with a 5-4 scoreline against Delta Queens. The game saw both teams locked in a goalless stalemate during regular time, necessitating the dramatic penalty shootout to determine the victor.
The stakes remain high as the teams continue to vie for the impressive N60 million aggregate prize in the 2023 edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament (BOWFT). The champion is set to claim a substantial N7 million, while the second, third, and fourth positions will secure N5 million, N3 million, and N1.5 million, respectively. Additionally, the other nine participating teams will be awarded N750,000 each, along with other deserving consolation prizes.
The BOWFT, a visionary initiative orchestrated by Mrs. Betsy Obaseki in collaboration with private sector partners, serves as a powerful platform for nurturing and empowering the girl-child while fostering grassroots sports development in Edo State and Nigeria. The tournament also champions causes that raise awareness about and discourage social vices.
In its third enthralling edition, the 2023 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament, with the theme “End Gender-Based Violence,” has gripped the city of Benin, Edo State’s capital, from Monday, October 23 to Wednesday, November 1, 2023.