Sports

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

Published

2 months ago

October 21, 2023

Editor

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

Why I No Longer Have Whatsapp Group With Messi, Neymar – Suarez

Published

22 hours ago

December 10, 2023

Editor

Former Barcelona striker, Luis Suarez has explained why he no longer has a Whatsapp group with his former Blaugrana attacking teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Suarez, along with Messi and Neymar, formed one of the most fearsome attacking troickas in history during their time together at Barca.

During the ESPN Bola de Prata ceremony, the Uruguay international spoke about the Whatsapp group he used to have with Messi and Neymar (as per ESPN):

“We had a WhatsApp group, but Leo changed his number.

“Ney also changed his number. … They change all the time, so we lost it. … But we talk a lot individually.”

Suarez is set to leave Brazilian club Gremio as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2023 season.

The 36-year-old scored 26 goals and provided 17 assists in 53 games across competitions for Gremio.

Sports

EPL: Ian Wright Hits Out At Man Utd Star For Disrespecting Hojlund

Published

23 hours ago

December 10, 2023

Editor

Arsenal legend, Ian Wright has hit out at Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot for not setting up Rasmus Hojlund in the Red Devils’ Premier League 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.

During the encounter, Dalot, who was played in by Antony in the 67th minute, opted to shoot from a tight angle rather than find Hojlund.

Hojlund, who is yet to find his first league goal, was in a central area and would’ve had a simple close-range finish if the ball came his way.

But instead of cutting the ball back for the Denmark international, Dalot fired the ball into the side netting.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Wright claimed Dalot’s decision showed a lack of respect towards Hojlund.

Wright said: “It was for me, when I saw that it was Dalot, and at 1-0, we are talking about Hojlund’s come on now and he wants his chance.

“This is good play from them. He gets in, he’s got to square this. He’s got to square it to him.”

He continued, “I think the total lack of respect for him. Look, he’s had a shot from the most ridiculous angle.

“He’s upset with himself. But he doesn’t even look for Hojlund, has a ridiculous shot. And Bournemouth score a minute later. Hojlund, he’s got to be pulling him up in the dressing room about that.”

Sports

EPL: Why Everton Beat Us 2-0 – Cheslea Coach, Pochettino Opens Up

Published

23 hours ago

December 10, 2023

Editor

Chelsea head coach, Mauricio Pochettino has suggested why his team lost 2-0 against Everton in Sunday’s Premier League tie.

Pochettino watched as two goals from Lewis Dobbin and Abdoulaye Doucoure gave Everton all three points against the Blues at Goodison Park.

Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Pochettino said his team lacked concentration during the encounter against Sean Dyche’s side.

“There are 11 players on the pitch that need to perform. The problem is why we arrive in this situation, it is difficult to explain,” Pochettino said.

“We know why we are dealing with this. Newcastle lose 3-0 and Everton was much better and credit for Everton but today I think we were better than Everton and we feel disappointed and frustrated.

“It is not only to dominate and play well but we cannot show this lack of concentration. We were punished too much today, too many positive things, I know it is difficult to talk about positive things in the position.”

Chelsea have now dropped to 12th position on the Premier League table after the defeat against Everton.