The Communication Sub-Committee Chairman for the upcoming Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament (BOWFT) 2023, Crusoe Osagie, has underlined the significant role this year’s competition will play in supporting the government’s mission to combat gender-based violence.
In an official statement, Osagie confirmed that preparations are already underway for the tournament, and the focus of this edition is to highlight efforts aimed at ending gender-based violence in the state.
As part of the tournament’s preparations, there will be an inspection of the match venues on Monday, October 16, 2023. The tournament itself is set to kick off on October 23, 2022, featuring 13 participating teams, including 11 teams from the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and two top female teams from Edo State.
Osagie revealed, “A seminar will be held as part of the tournament on October 31, 2023. First ladies from all 36 states are expected to attend this event, during which the State Government will showcase its seven-year efforts to combat gender-based violence.”
He emphasized the tournament’s importance, as it holds FIFA accreditation and serves as a platform to empower and support young girls in their endeavors. The Obaseki-led administration has shown its commitment to the girl-child through strategic policy reforms in education, job creation, and sports sectors. The female team from Edo recently secured the championship in the pre-season women’s football tournament, Shereos, highlighting these efforts.
In addition to its role in promoting women’s football, the BOWFT 2023 will serve as a vital tool for raising awareness about the necessity to eliminate gender-based violence. The tournament will be hosted at various locations in Edo State, with the opening and closing matches held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Group stages and semi-final matches will take place at the University of Benin Sports Complex and the Western Boys College mini stadium. Training sessions for participating teams will be held at the Edo State College of Nursing and Health Sciences mini stadium and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Support the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament in its mission to raise awareness and combat gender-based violence.
