Twelve teams made up of nine Nigeria Women Premier Football League (NWFL) clubs and three amateur clubs in Edo State will be vying for the N10m prize money at stake in the maiden edition of Betsy Obaseki Women Football tournament.
The tournament which has the theme “promoting the girl-child” will be held from September 26 to October 4 in Benin City with centres at UniBen, Western Boys High School, School of Health Technology and Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.
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The 12 clubs for the tournament are Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Sunshine Queens, Robo FC, Heartland Queens, Royal Queens, Confluence Queens, Kaduna Queens, Naija Ratels, Fortress Ladies and Rolly FC.
The Edo State First Lady, Betsy Obaseki, said after the draws to be held on Sunday, September 26, after COVID-19 tests, opening matches of the tournament will be played on Monday, September 27 just as the final match of the day will be preceded by the opening ceremony to be held at Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.
She also said the tournament is aimed at tackling the menace of human trafficking, gender-based violence and other social vices that are inimical to the wellbeing of the girl-child.
“The Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament will be another veritable avenue in achieving these goals as it affords our girls the opportunity to showcase their skills and also provide mentors for those aspiring for future careers in sports.
“It is also worthy to note that this tournament is funded by development partners and not the state government,” she said.
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, said in addition to trophies, the winners would go home with a cash prize of N3m, runners up N2m, third place N1m while each of the remaining nine clubs would receive a consolation prize of N5000,000.
The finals of the tournament will be played on Sunday, October 3, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
