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Adeyinka Adedipe, Benin
Betsy Obaseki, wife of the Edo State Governor, has expressed the state’s readiness to host the second edition of the women’s football tournament in her honour, which holds in Benin City from September 7 to 17.
At the inspection of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, main venue for the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament, Obaseki stated that the tournament would be an enduring one which would help in providing avenue for women to showcase their talents as well as have a means of livelihood.
She said, “We are ready to host a hitch-free tournament. We are determined to surpass what we did last year. The sponsors are private organisations and individuals and I will also support with the little I have.
“We are expecting 13 teams at this edition though we had many more requests, unfortunately we cannot accommodate every team. We hope that every year, more teams will be accommodated. Last year, we had 12 teams, and we will probably have 15 or 16 next year.
“We are using this edition to bring awareness to the ills of drug abuse in our country. Last year, it was about promoting the girl-child education and curbing child trafficking. We are also hoping that the legacies of the tournament is enduring.”
Teams expected at the tournament are Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Delta Queens, Confluence Queens and Osun Babes.
Others are Rivers Angels, Sunshine Queens, Naija Ratels and Royals Queens, while Fortress Ladies and Brave Heart will join as local best teams.
Also, winners of the competition will receive N5m, with the first runners-up getting N3m, while the third and fourth-place teams go home with N1.5m and N750,000 respectively. All other participating teams will get N500,000 each.