Edo Queens face Royaltoms as Betsy Obaseki football tournament kicks off

L-R: Wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, during the draws for the second edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), in Benin City, on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.

Edo Queens Football Club will face Royaltoms International FC of Lagos and Royal Queens FC of Warri in Group B of the second edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), scheduled to hold in Benin City between September 7, 2022 and September 17, 2022.

At the draws, on Tuesday, Nasarawa FC and Brave Heart Ladies FC were drawn to face FC Robo and Confluence Queens in Group A.

Naija Ratels, Sunshine Queens, and Fortress Ladies will slug it out in Group C while Delta Queens, Osun Babes, and Heartland Queens will compete for glory in Group D.

Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, while welcoming the participating teams to the state, said the government remains committed to the all-around development of youths in the state.

She said, “We had 12 participating teams last year and increased the teams to 13 this year. We will continue to grow and improve, ensuring that we make the games a much bigger competition.

“One of the very outcomes that we have had from this competition was that our first outing was adjudged by international stakeholders as world-class. The world football body, FIFA, had, at an event earlier this year in Qatar recognized our first edition as a model event. That award was received by our Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, acknowledging our commitment to youth development through football, especially women.

“That’s a huge achievement, considering that it is our first outing and we will sustain efforts to support our youths and