Betsy Obaseki preaches fairplay as goals rain on BOWFT opening weekend

Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has charged participating teams in the second Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) to embrace fair play as they battle for honours in the pre-season competition.

Speaking on the opening day of the tournament featuring 13 teams, Obaseki
said the clubs would be promoting Nigerian football if they played according to the rules, while striving to achieve the essence of the competition.

The second BOWFT, which started on Wednesday and will end on September 17, 2022, is focused on driving the government’s campaign against drug abuse.

“It gives me joy to welcome you all to this year’s edition of the annual Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament. I assure you that you will have a wonderful time during the tournament,” Obaseki told the teams.

She said this year’s edition is aimed at complementing the government’s efforts in reducing the incidence of drug abuse in the state, adding, “While we had 12 participating teams last year, this year, we have 13 teams to compete in the tournament. 

“We will continue to grow and ensure that the vision of the tournament which is checking social vices among youths, especially the girl-child is realised.”

Meanwhile, the tournament has witnessed torrents of goals, with FC Robo and Edo Queens scoring the highest in the opening weekend. FC Robo began the goals feat when they routed Braveheart Ladies 9-0.

Among the scorers for the Lagos side in the game played at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Sports Complex were Lawal Taiwo (five goals), Ijamiluyi Shade (three) and Oladiti Rukayat, who found the back of the net once.

As if they determined not to be outdone by FC Robo, Edo Queens also hit Royaltom FC 9-0, while Delta Queens defeated Heartland Queens 2-0. Nasarawa Amazons brought FC Robo back to reality with a 1-0 victory over the Lagos girls, just as Naija Ratels defeated Fortress Ladies 2- 0. Edo Queens could not re-enact their 9-0 defeat of Royaltom FC when they met Royal Queens, but they still managed a 1- 0 win.