Sports

BOWFT 2023: Edo Readies To Receive 13 NWFL Teams As Camp Opens Tomorrow For 3rd Edition Of Annual Tourney

Published

2 years ago

October 21, 2023

Edo State is abuzz with anticipation as camp opens tomorrow, October 22, 2023, for the third edition of the annual Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) scheduled to hold in Benin City, the Edo State capital, between Monday, 23rd of October and Wednesday 1st of November, 2023.

The preseason football competition will see 13 prominent teams from the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) battle for the N60 million aggregate prize at four sports facilities in the State, including the magnificent Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, University of Benin Sports Complex, Western Boys Mini-Stadium and the Edo State College of Nursing and Health Sciences Mini-Stadium.

The participating teams are Edo Queens, Naija Ratels, Remo Stars, Nasarawa Amazons, Bayelsa Queens, Confluence Queens, FC Robo, Fortress FC, Heartland Queens, Rivers Angel, Delta Queens, Ekiti Queens and Osun Babes FC.

BOWFT is an initiative of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki in collaboration with private sector partners to groom and empower the girl-child, and engender grassroots sports development in Edo State and Nigeria, while promoting causes that raise awareness about and discourage social vices.

This year’s edition with the theme, “End Gender-Based Violence,” is targeted at raising awareness and generating public interest in the need to eradicate gender-based violence in all its forms and spotlight the efforts undertaken by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led State Government over the past seven years to combat gender-based violence in the State.

Activities lined up for the commencement of the 2023 edition kicked off yesterday with the draws and official unveiling of the mascot and theme song of the tournament, at the Presidential Villa, in Government House, Benin City.

Speaking to newsmen at the weekend, in Benin City, the Chairman, Communications Sub-Committee for the tournament, Crusoe Osagie, said all is set for the hosting of the preseason tournament which promises to be an unforgettable sporting spectacle.

According to him, “All is set for the hosting of the competition, known for its eclectic atmosphere. The participating teams will be arriving in Benin City tomorrow, Sunday, October 22, 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.

“We are ready to receive the participating teams, officials, spectators, and visitors alike. Fans and supporters are eager to throng the tournament venues, ready to cheer their teams to victory. Local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and transportation services, among others, are all set to benefit from the event which promises to be an unforgettable sporting spectacle.”

Sports

EPL: Man Utd Suffer Fresh Injury Blow Ahead Of Everton Clash

Published

13 hours ago

November 23, 2025

Editor

Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, could be without Matheus Cunha for Monday’s Premier League clash against Everton.

ESPN reports that Cunha has picked up an injury in training.

The Brazilian suffered what is being described as a “minor knock” during a session on Saturday.

It forced him to miss a scheduled appearance to switch on Christmas lights in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, on Saturday evening.

Amorim will be keen to have Cunha available, as he has already lost striker Benjamin Sesko to a knee injury.

Since his £62.5 million move from Wolves, Cunha has scored only once in 11 appearances.

Sports

EPL: Why Arsenal Could Win The Title This Season – Guardiola

Published

3 days ago

November 21, 2025

Editor

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted Arsenal could be “difficult to catch” in the Premier League title race if they extend their lead at the top of the table.

City will have the chance to cut the Gunners’ lead to one point when they travel to Newcastle United in Saturday’s late kick-off.

Ahead of the game, Guardiola has warned his players that they have to keep pace with Arsenal, who will host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

“Arsenal are an impeccable team,” Guardiola said.

“If they manage to take some distance in points, it will be difficult to catch up.

“Just like how it went with Liverpool last season.”

Liverpool finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal last season.

Sports

Ikpoba-Okha Trade Tackles With Ovia N-East As Benin Unity Cup Kicks Off

Published

3 days ago

November 21, 2025

Editor

Ikpoba-Okha LG traded tackles with Ovia North-East LG at the opening match of the maiden edition of the Benin Unity Cup held at the Crescent Sports Club in Irhirhi, Benin City, on Thursday evening.

The seven local government councils in Edo South Senatorial District are expected to participate in the tourney sponsored by Neda Imasuen, the Senator representing the district at the National Assembly.

The match between the two LGs saw the players from both sides showcasing tactical organization, intensity, and individual brilliance, but neither team could find the breakthrough despite promising chances.

The draw sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive and talent-rich tournament, with scouts already keeping close watch on standout performers.

Both sides played out a cagey 0–0 draw, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive and talents-reach tourney.

‎In his remarks earlier, the tournament sponsor, and vision bearer Senator Imasuen, appreciated participating teams and officials for embracing the initiative.

He explained that the Unity Cup was designed to discover, nurture, and create pathways for grassroots footballers across Edo South, revealing that scouts from other parts of Nigeria — and possibly abroad — will attend live matches during the tournament.

READ ALSO:Senator Imasuen Kicks Off Benin Unity Cup To Foster Unity
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‎Imasuen encouraged all players to give their best, emphasizing discipline, fair play, and sportsmanship as the core values of the competition.

Imasuen, who promised to make the football tournament an annual event, assured to consider other sports including boxing, cycling, tennis ,and basketball in the nearest future.
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‎ Addressing the crowd at the opening ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, applauded Senator Imasuen for investing in grassroots football, describing the competition as a timely platform for youth development in Edo State.

‎He appealed to Senator Neda Imasuen, individuals and corporate bodies to extend similar support to other sporting disciplines, stressing that Edo State is home to many gifted athletes outside football who are yet to be discovered.

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