Host Edo Queens and 12 other women football clubs in Nigeria are set for battle as the 3rd edition of Betsy Obaseki Football Tournament gets underway today in the city of Benin, the Edo State capital.
According to the draws held over the weekend, Edo Queens, Naija Ratels and newly formed Remo Stars Ladies will slug it out in Group A of the tournament which is scheduled to end on November 1.
Nasarawa Amazons, Bayelsa Queens and Confluence Queens are in Group, title holders, FC Robo of Lagos, Fortress Ladies, Heartland Queens and Rivers Angels are in Group C while Group D is made up of Delta Queens, Ekiti Queens and Osun Babes
Speaking during the draws ceremony and unveiling of the tournament mascot, the Edo State First lady, Betsy Obaseki said “ This tournament is private sector driven and it has nothing to do with the Edo State Government as the tournament will continue to be held even after my husband leaves office as it’s funded by the private sector.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Communications Sub-Committee for the tournament, Crusoe Osagie, has said all is set for the hosting of the tournament which promises to be an unforgettable sporting spectacle.
He explained that the tournament which is in its third edition 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.
It will be recalled that in the 2022 edition of the FIFA recognized pre-season tournament, FC Robo edged hosts Edo Queens 1-0 to emerge champions.