From Moshood Karim
Betsy Obaseki, the founder of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament, has announced that the event has achieved international recognition, with two countries set to participate in its fourth edition.
The announcement came during a press briefing at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Monday ahead of the tournament’s flag-off.
The tournament, which is privately sponsored, is designed to empower young women by providing them with opportunities in sports.
She highlighted that international organisations have shown consistent support, further cementing the event’s global appeal.
Speaking on this year’s edition, Mrs. Obaseki revealed that the prize money has been increased, with the winning team set to receive N10 million.
The runner-up will get N7 million, third place will earn N5 million, and fourth place will be awarded N3 million. All other participating teams will take home N750,000 each.
Paying tribute to Brigadier Samuel Ogbemudia, former governor of the defunct Bendel State, Mrs. Obaseki praised his contributions to the sports sector.
She noted that her husband, Governor Godwin Obaseki, has made significant investments to restore Edo State’s former glory in sports, leading to the success of local teams like Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens.
“Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens have become reference points in Nigerian sports, consistently winning trophies. Edo Queens are currently the number one female football team in Nigeria and will soon represent West Africa,” she stated.
Mrs. Obaseki also stressed the tournament’s role in nurturing young female athletes, noting that seven Edo Queens players are now part of Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons.
In addition to the football matches, this year’s tournament will include a seminar focused on addressing social vices such as teenage pregnancy and abandonment, issues prevalent in the Niger Delta region.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Obaseki reassured the public that the tournament would continue beyond her tenure as First Lady of Edo State.
She announced that the foundation behind the tournament has partnered with reputable organisations and individuals to ensure its sustainability in the years to come.
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