Thirteen teams for the Betsy Obaseki Football Tournament

Thirteen female teams are set to battle for pre-season glory at the third edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament slated to commence on Monday, October 23 in Benin City, Edo State.

The competition, which is themed, “End Gender-Based Violence,” is aimed at harnessing sporting talents in the State and will highlight the efforts made by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to end gender-based violence in the State.

Chairman of the BOWFT Communication Sub-Committee, Crusoe Osagie, in a statement, said the tournament will be held in Benin between Monday, October 23 to Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

He listed the participating teams to include Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Delta Queens, Robo FC, Naija Ratels, Nasarawa Amazons, and Osun Babes.

Others are Confluence Queens, Fortress Ladies, Ekiti Babes, Remo Stars Ladies FC, and Heartland.

 “Four venues have been scheduled to host this year’s tournament. These are the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, University of Benin Sports Complex, Western Boys High School mini stadium, Edo State College of Nursing and Health Sciences mini stadium, and University of Benin Teaching Hospital,” Osagie said.

“Thirteen prestigious women’s football clubs in the country have confirmed their attendance and participation. The teams will be arriving in Benin City on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. All the required facilities have been put in place as the participating team will be received on arrival on the same day at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.”

The chairman also revealed that there would be a press conference

and unveiling of the mascot and the draws for the tournament will be held on Friday, October 20. The draws will be held under the full glare of the media to ensure credibility and transparency.

The first matches will kick off after the opening event at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

The third place and finals of the tournament will both take place on November 1 after which trophies and consolation prizes will be handed over to participating clubs as part of the closing ceremony.