Sports

Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament, Govt’s Commitment To Youths’ Development – Edo First Lady

Published

4 years ago

September 8, 2022

Editor

Wife of the Edo State governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has said the staging of Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) showed the government’s commitment to all-round development of youths in the state.

Mrs Obaseki, the chairperson of the organising committee of the event, stated this on Thursday in Benin at a parley with sports journalists ahead of the opening ceremony of the second edition of the women competition.

According to her, the organiser is determined to increase the number of the participating teams edition by edition.

“We had 12 participating teams last year and increased the teams to 13 this year. We will continue to grow and improve, ensuring that we make the games a much bigger competition.

“One of the very outcomes that we have had from this competition was that our first outing was adjudged by international stakeholders as world-class.

“The world football body, FIFA, had, at an event earlier this year in Qatar recognised our first edition as a model event with an award, received by our Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu. This was acknowledging our commitment to youth development through football, especially women.

“That’s a huge achievement, considering that it is our first outing and we will sustain efforts to support our youths and help them realize their fullest potentials,” she said.

Speaking on the theme of the competition, “Say No to Drugs,” the Edo first lady noted, “It’s beyond just playing football. We are using the opportunity of the games as a platform to proffer solutions to societal problems.

“Last year, we focused on tackling human trafficking and illegal migration, but this year, we will concentrate on reducing the incidence of drug abuse.

“Drug abuse is a huge problem in the country. In fact, it is bigger than imagined. It has become endemic and is fast becoming a pandemic.

“Drug abuse is destroying and ruining lives of many, from children in primary schools to married women; this year’s edition will provide a fine platform to create more awareness to reduce the incidence of drug abuse.

“We will have a seminar on September 15, 2022 in this regard,” said Obaseki.

She noted that the state had set a pace with the unveiling of customised and branded soccer balls that would be used for the matches.

“Today, we are going to unveil branded and customized soccer balls that will be used throughout the tournament, which is the first in the country. Also, Edo is the only state where female players are paid the same remuneration as the men.

“So, when we say we are leading football in Nigeria, you can see that it isn’t an empty boast.

“It is the truth and reality, because it is in our blood. We are doing it in football now, and taking the reforms to all other areas of human endeavours,” she asserted.

The soccer tourney would holds between Sept. 7 and 17.

Related Topics:Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament

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Sports

EPL: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

9 hours ago

May 6, 2026

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Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

3 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.