Sports

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

Published

3 years 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

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

14 hours 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

2 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.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

6 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.