Hosts Edo Queens on Monday started the third edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament on a victorious note, defeating Naija Ratels of Abuja 3-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Edo missed several scoring chances in the first half as the Ratels goalkeeper made some wonderful saves before Chioma Olise broke the deadlock in the 41st minute to put Edo ahead.
Edo piled more pressure on their opponents from Abuja, which resulted to the second goal scored by Suliat Abideen five minutes after the break, before captain Emem Essien wrapped up the emphatic win in the 67th minute with the final goal of the game.
The best player of every game of the 2023 BOWFT Abideen was given a DSTV decoder courtesy of Tony Umerah, while the initiator of the tournament and wife of the Edo State Governor, Betsy Obaseki, made the presentation.
Betsy Obaseki expressed satisfaction with the standard of the match and commended Edo Queens for the victory.
“I want to thank the girls for a good job and defeating their opponents despite missing several scoring chances. I am satisfied with the officiating in the game, as the officials have showed high level of professionalism. I expect them to win this cup this year. We have a strong team and expect them to win.”
While declaring the tournament open Obaseki charged the 13 participating teams in the spirit of sportsmanship.
“This tournament is recognised by FIFA and happens to be the only one in Africa. Every year, as we organise the competition, we seek to address social vices affecting the girl-child.
“The first year, we fought against human trafficking, the second edition it was against drug abuse and this third edition we are fighting to stop gender-based violence.”
She added, “We thank you all for taking time to join us at this tournament. We have a whole week for the tournament which will come to an end by the 31st of this month. On the last day of the tournament, we would be having a seminar where experts will be invited to talk to the girls on gender based violence.
Guests at the event include the Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and other members of the State House of Assembly, commissioners and other top government functionaries.
