BOWFT 2023: Edo gets ready for Betsy Obaseki tourney

Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin

L-R: Director of Sports, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Elvis Agbonlahor; Head, Facility Sub-Committee for the 2023 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), Victor Edokpaiyi, with other officials, inspecting the UNIBEN Sports Complex, ahead of the commencement of the 2023 BOWFT, on Monday, October 16, 2023

All is set for the hosting of the FIFA-accredited pre-season women's tournament billed to hold in Benin City, the Edo State capital; the Organising Committee has assured.

The Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT)  is scheduled to commence on October 23, 2023, with 13 participating teams, it was said.

Conducting journalists around designated centres in Benin City on Monday, 16 October, 2023 the Head of Facility Sub-Committee for the tournament, Victor Edokpaiyi said this year's edition of the tournament would surpass the previous editions.

He listed the centres to host the games to include Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the University of Benin Sports Complex, and Western Boys Mini Stadium.

While the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and Edo State School of Health Technology Mini Stadium will be used as training centres.

“We are set for the pre-season competition as we just finished inspecting the centres, and all the facilities have been put in place.

“The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremony of the competition, while group matches up to the semi-finals would be played at UNIBEN sports complex and Western Boys Mini Stadium.

“The School of Health Mini Stadium and University of Benin Teaching Hospital would serve as training centres for participating teams.”

The third edition of the BOWFT will focus on the Edo State Government’s campaign to end gender-based violence, the Organisers said.