Sports

Edo First Lady Declares Open Third Edition Of Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament

Published

2 years ago

October 23, 2023

…says annual tourney only preseason tournament recognized by FIFA in Africa

The Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, on Monday, declared open the third edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), noting that the annual competition is the only preseason women’s tournament in Africa recognized by world football governing body, FIFA.

The third edition of the tournament with the theme, “End Gender-Based Violence,” is holding in Benin City, the Edo State capital, between Monday, 23rd of October and Wednesday 1st of November, 2023.

Thirteen (13) teams from the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) are battling for the N60 million aggregate prize for the tournament in 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 winner of the tournament is expected to go home with N7 million naira, while the second, third and fourth positions will bag N5 million, N3 million naira, and N1.5 million respectively. The other nine participating teams will get N750, 000 each, among other consolation prizes.

Declaring the tournament open amid pomp and pageantry at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki charged the 13 participating teams in the spirit of sportsmanship.

She noted that the competition is the foremost preseason tournament of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) featuring top women football clubs across the Country.

Mrs. Obaseki said, “This tournament is recognized by FIFA and happens to be the only one in Africa. Every year, as we organize the competition, we seek to address social vices affecting the girl-child.

“The first year, we fought against human trafficking, the second edition it was against drug abuse and this third edition we are fighting to stop gender-based violence.”

She added, “We thank you all for taking time to join us at this tournament. We have a whole week for the tournament which will come to an end by the 31st of this month. On the last day of the tournament, we would be having a seminar where experts will be invited to talk to the girls on gender based violence.

“I declare the third edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) open in Benin City, Edo State.”

Other guests at the event include the Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and other members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners and other top government functionaries.

Related Topics:Besty Obaseki football tournament Bowft

Up Next

Everton Face 12-Point Penalty For Financial Breaches

Don't Miss

Arteta Reacts To Arsenal’s 2-2 Draw At Chelsea

Comments

Sports

FULL LIST: Ballon d’Or Unveils 2025 Women Nominees

Published

5 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Ballon d’Or has released the full list of nominees for the highly anticipated 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or, showcasing 30 outstanding female footballers from across the globe.

Leading the nominations are established stars such as Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Pernille Harder, and Lucy Bronze, alongside rising talents including Melchie Dumornay, Temwa Chawinga, and Frida Leonardsen-Maanum.

Also named in the prestigious list are Barbra Banda, Claudia Pina, Sandy Baltimore, Marta, Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson, and Esther Gonzalez, among others.

The Ballon d’Or recognition celebrates the best women’s footballers for their excellence, impact, and achievements over the past season.

The final winner will be announced at the official awards ceremony later in the year.

FULL LIST
Sandy Baltimore
Barbra Banda
Aitana Bonmati
Lucy Bronze
Klara Bühl
Mariona Caldentey
Sofia Cantore
Steph Catley
Temwa Chawinga
Melchie Dumornay
Emily Fox
Cristiana Girelli
Esther Gonzalez
Caroline Graham Hansen
Hannah Hampton
Pernille Harder
Patri Guijarro
Amanda Gutierres
Lindsey Heaps
Chloe Kelly
Frida Leonardsen-Maanum
Marta
Clara Mateo
Ewa Pajor
Claudia Pina
Alexia Putellas
Alessia Russo
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd
Caroline Weir
Leah Williamson

Sports

Super Falcons Coach Madugu Nominated For 2025 Ballon d’Or Award

Published

5 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

Super Falcons’ tactician, Justine Madugu, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy.

The nomination, announced Thursday, places Madugu among the global elite of women’s football coaching, following his remarkable leadership with the Nigerian women’s national team.

The accolade celebrates coaches who have demonstrated outstanding strategy, motivation, and performance in guiding their teams on the international stage.

The recognition comes as Nigerian football continues to gain momentum on the global stage, with Super Falcons players and coaches increasingly drawing international attention after winning the Women’s African Cup of Nations.

Madugu’s nomination is not only a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in African women’s football.

Sports

Ballon d’Or Unveils 2025 Men’s Club, Coach Of The Year Nominees

Published

5 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Ballon d’Or, on Thursday, unveiled its list of nominees for the 2025 Men’s Club of the Year and Men’s Team Coach of the Year awards.

Competing for the Men’s Club of the Year honour are football giants FC Barcelona, Botafogo, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain. These clubs have been recognised for their outstanding performance and influence in global football over the past season.

Meanwhile, the five contenders for the Men’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy are Antonio Conte, Luis Enrique, Hansi Flick, Enzo Maresca, and Arne Slot, all celebrated for their tactical brilliance, leadership, and impressive results with their respective teams.

The announcement is part of the build-up to the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, which annually celebrates excellence in world football.