Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki has said that the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), would continue even after the end of her husband’s being the governor of the state.
She disclosed this during a press conference to announce the 4th editions of the tournament in Benin City.
Mrs. Obaseki said to ensure its sustenance after her time as the wife of the governor of the state, a Board of Trustee would be set up to oversee the tournament.
The governor’s wife who said this year’s tournament’s theme is “Say no to teen pregnancy and child motherhood,”, said the first edition of the tournament which set the stage for this impressive run had the theme, “Promoting the Girl Child,” with 12 participating teams.
“The second edition of the competition had the theme “Say No to Drugs,” with 13 participating teams, and the third edition with 13 teams, themed, “End Gender-Based Violence,” focused on raising awareness and generating public interest in the urgent need to eradicate gender-based violence in all its forms in Edo State”.
While stating the essence of the tournament in the state, she said it was borne out of the passion to create opportunities to inspire the girl-child, while promoting causes that raise awareness about and discourage social vices.
She pointed out that the tournament is Nigeria’s only pre-season women’s football tournament and has continued the tradition of promoting women’s football through a two-week long socially-conscious programme that brings important issues to the front burner.
According to her “Since its inception in 2020, the tournament has grown remarkably, making a significant impact by providing a platform for our young girls to dream big and pursue their passions and aspirations, while showcasing the incredible talent and potential of these girls to the rest of the world.
“Beyond nurturing our local talent, the tournament has also helped position our female football players on the global stage with many of the girls from the past editions of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament representing Nigeria on the international stage with distinction.
“I am delighted to state that three of our girls from Edo Queens are currently part of Nigeria’s Falconet team flying the nation’s flag and making us proud at the FIFA U-20 World Cup taking place in Colombia. They include Comfort Folorunsho, Chioma Olise and Goodness Osigwe.
“This is in addition to the several international players who have participated in different editions of the tournament who are now making their mark in top-tier clubs across the globe, including Monday Gift who played for FC Robo and now plies her trade at Granadilla Tenerife of Spain; Peace Efih, who featured for Edo Queens FC and now with Sporting de Huelva of Spain; Esther Onyenezide of FC Robo, who now plays for Madrid FCC of Spain.
“Others are Blessing Demehin of Bayelsa Queens who now currently plays for Stade de Reims of France and Rofiat Imuran who also featured for Rivers Angels and is now with Stade de Reims of France, among others.
“These accomplishments highlight the profound impact of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament in these past four years and stand as a testament to the caliber of talent we possess and the opportunities that lie ahead if we continue to support them and harness their potential”,.