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

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2 months ago

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…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.

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

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.

READ ALSO: BOWFT 2023: Edo Prepares For Betsy Obaseki Women Football Pre-season Tourney

“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.

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AFCON: ‘Nigeria Thirsty For Victory’ – Sports Minister Charges NFF, Peseiro

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December 6, 2023

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Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, has directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro to ensure the Super Eagles emerge champions in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The competition will be held in Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

The minister issued the marching orders on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting with the NFF and Peseiro to discuss strategic plans and preparations for the AFCON.

READ ALSO: 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Disappoint Again, Settle for 1-1 Draw Against Zimbabwe

Enoh expressed concern about the Super Eagles’ performances, particularly given their slow start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

DAILY POST reports that the Eagles were held to uninspiring draws by both Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.

According to the minister, Nigerians are passionate about the round leather game and are eager to win the AFCON after more than a decade of waiting.

“Our country is so passionate about football, such that amidst all other sports, football is about the only sport that has an entry in the nation’s national budget.

READ ALSO: ‘We Don’t Have A Team Yet’, Reactions Trail Super Eagles Disappointing Draw Against Lesotho

“That is how important football is because whatever happens to it happens to us as a country.”

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unflinching support for Nigerian football, emphasizing the need for rigorous planning and unified strategies in propelling the national team to victory.

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Transfer: Jorginho’s Next Possible Club Revealed

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December 6, 2023

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Arsenal midfielder Jorginho’s next possible club has been revealed.

As per Calciomercato, Jorginho is reportedly set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, with a return to Serie A on the cards.

The report added that Juventus are interested in signing the Italy international.

The 31-year-old signed for Arsenal from Chelsea in January of this year for a fee of £12 million.

However, Jorginho has not been used regularly by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Jorginho is in the final year of his contract at Arsenal and is likely to leave as a free agent next year.

READ ALSO: Footballer Slumps During Training, Dies

His playing time has only decreased since Declan Rice arrived from West Ham United in the summer.

He had played in the Serie A before during his time at Napoli, where he made 160 appearances for the club.

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EPL: Aina Wins Nottingham Forest’s November Goal Of The Month

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2 days ago

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December 6, 2023

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Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina has claimed Nottingham Forest’s November Goal of the Month award.

Aina won the award with his stunning strike in the Steve Cooper side’s 2-0 victory against Aston Villa at the City Ground.

The 27-year-old slotted home a powerful shot from outside the box in the fifth minute of the encounter.

It was the Nigeria international’s maiden goal for the Tricky Trees.

READ ALSO: EPL: Man Utd To Offload ‘Three Most Expensive’ Attackers In January

The stunning strike received 50 per cent of the total vote.

The full-back linked up with Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in the summer.

Aina has made 10 league appearances for the Reds.

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