The Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament, initiated by the First Lady of Edo State, Betsy Obaseki, has garnered attention for its commitment to promoting women’s football in Nigeria. During a recent press conference at the Government House, Obaseki expressed her hope that the tournament would continue to be hosted in Edo State, contingent upon the support of the incoming government. She emphasized the significance of government backing for sustaining this critical sporting event, highlighting that while the state has been the tournament’s home for the past four years, it may explore alternative venues, including Lagos and Bayelsa, if future support is lacking.
Significantly, the tournament has seen an increase in its total prize money, now reaching N30 million, positioning it as a FIFA-standard event. This enhanced financial incentive is a clear indication that the tournament is evolving and aiming to elevate women’s football within Nigeria. The prizes for the participating teams reflect a carefully structured reward system: the tournament champion will receive N10 million, the runner-up will take home N7 million, the third place finisher will earn N5 million, and the fourth place will get N3 million. Furthermore, the remaining 10 teams will not leave empty-handed, as they will each receive N750,000, thus encouraging broader participation and competitiveness among teams.
Betsy Obaseki expressed gratitude to all those involved in the organizational success of the tournament over the past four years, including the organizing committee, the board of trustees, and the women’s football clubs. Her acknowledgment of collective effort underscores the collaborative nature of the event and addresses the importance of community and stakeholder support in realizing ambitious sporting initiatives. Moreover, she shared that the aspiration for FIFA recognition has been on her agenda, noting her past experience of receiving an award at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, which was a significant milestone in establishing the tournament’s credibility.
The upcoming fourth edition of the tournament is set to commence at the Main Bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, with preliminary matches scheduled at other local venues such as the Western Boys High School in Ikpoba Hills and the University of Benin Sports Complex. This strategic selection of venues aims to maximize accessibility and fan engagement, fostering a vibrant atmosphere around the event. The diversity of locations also reflects a commitment to inclusivity and the promotion of sports at the grassroots level across the state.
The tournament features a competitive structure with teams grouped into four categories, specifically labeled A through E. Group A, identified as the ‘group of death,’ includes formidable teams such as Edo Queens, FC Robo, and Remo Ladies. Group B contains Bayelsa, Brave Hearts FC from Benin City, Naija Ratels, and Espoir FC from Benin Republic. Meanwhile, Group C comprises Nasarawa Amazons, Confluence Queens of Lokoja, and Abia Angels, while Group D features Heartland Queens of Owerri, Fortress Ladies from Benin City, Delta Babes from Asaba, and Aigle Royale from Benin Republic. Such a classification adds an element of excitement and allows spectators to anticipate thrilling matchups as teams vie for the championship.
In summary, the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament represents more than just a competitive sporting event; it is a platform for promoting women’s sports in Nigeria. Betsy Obaseki’s vision focuses on the continued growth and sustainability of this tournament, with an eye toward FIFA standards, bolstered by significant prize money. The collective efforts of various stakeholders over the years have laid a solid foundation for the tournament, fostering community involvement and enthusiasm for women’s football, especially as it enters a new chapter with potential changes in governmental support and venue arrangements.
