2024 BOWFT: Edo'll remain our base if accepted, says Betsy Obaseki

Posted : 07 October 2024

The initiator and founder of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament (BOWFT), Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, First Lady of Edo State, affirmed that Edo State will continue to be the tournament’s home base, regardless of any political changes, including the shift from PDP to APC.

Mrs. Obaseki made a surprise appearance at the draw ceremony for Nigeria's premier preseason women’s football tournament, held at the Festival Hall of Edo State Government House in Benin City. She cautioned that if the new government were to reject the tournament, its board of trustees might consider moving the BOWFT to a more welcoming location, such as Lagos or Bayelsa, since the event is privately funded through the Betsy Obaseki Women Foundation.

She emphasized that the tournament’s private partnership status has allowed it to grow into a well-organized international event, with two international clubs now participating. The increased prize pool of N30 million, with N10 million for the winner, N7 million for the runner-up, N5 million for third place, and N3 million for fourth place, along with ten consolation prizes of N750,000 each, has further solidified the BOWFT’s stature as a FIFA-standard event.

Mrs. Obaseki also noted that achieving FIFA recognition had been a priority since the tournament's second edition, when she was invited to FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, to receive an award for the event’s organization.

She expressed her gratitude to the organizing committee, the board of trustees, women's football clubs, and everyone involved in the tournament's success over the past four years. She acknowledged Edo State for hosting the event and hinted that this could potentially change in the future.

The fourth edition of the BOWFT will officially commence on Monday at the Main Bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, with additional preliminary matches at Western Boys High School, Ikpoba Hills, and the University of Benin Sports Complex.

The preliminary group stage consists of four groups (A to D). Group A, known as the “group of death,” includes Edo Queens, FC Robo, and Remo Ladies. Group B features Bayelsa, Brave Hearts FC of Benin City, Naija Ratels, and Espoir FC from Benin Republic. Group C comprises Nasarawa Amazons, Confluence Queens of Lokoja, and Abia Angels, while Group D includes Heartland Queens of Owerri, Fortress Ladies of Benin City, Delta Babes of Asaba, and Aigle Royale from Benin Republic.

2024 BOWFT: Edo'll remain our base if accepted, says Betsy Obaseki

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