Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The opening match of the 2024 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) between Edo Queens and FC Robo has ended in a 0-0 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Edo Queens, the reigning WAFU Champions, faced off against FC Robo in a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, though neither team could find the back of the net.
The tournament was officially declared open by the First Lady of Edo State, Her Excellency Betsy Obaseki, who made a symbolic walk to the center of the pitch with the tournament trophy, marking the commencement of this year’s edition.
In her address, the First Lady expressed her excitement over the remarkable growth of the tournament, noting that she had always hoped it would gain international recognition, though she hadn’t anticipated such rapid expansion.
This year’s tournament is making history with the participation of two international teams, elevating its status to a new level.
“We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that this year’s tournament makes an impact, not just in sports but also in addressing social issues,” she said.
Highlighting the tournament’s commitment to youth development, she announced that a seminar themed ‘Say No to Teen Pregnancy and Abandonment’ will be held on the 15th of October as part of efforts to raise awareness on pressing social challenges.
In addition to the social focus, the First Lady announced an increase in the prize money for the tournament. The winners will now walk away with N10 million, a significant increase from the previous prize.
The first runner-up will receive N7 million (up from N5 million), the second runner-up will get N5 million (up from N3 million), while the third runner-up will take home N3 million (up from N1.5 million).
All participating teams will also receive N750,000, an increase from the previous N500,000.
“This is a higher, more competitive version of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament,” she declared.
The opening ceremony was a colorful spectacle, featuring a calisthenics display and stirring performances of the tournament’s theme song, the Edo State Anthem, the Nigerian National Anthem, and the Benin Republic Anthem.
The 2024 BOWFT promises to be a groundbreaking event, not only in promoting women’s football but also in tackling critical social issues affecting women and youth across Nigeria.