In an electrifying final, FC Robo Queens of Lagos emerged victorious as they defeated the hosts, Edo Queens, with a stunning 1-0 scoreline.
The second edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament concluded with a spectacular display of talent, culture, and entertainment.
The 10-day event reached its pinnacle with a mesmerizing closing ceremony, featuring vibrant cultural displays, captivating performances, and a vibrant atmosphere. Various groups gathered to mark the end of the tournament with songs, dances, and drumming, creating an atmosphere of pure excitement.
The brainchild of Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, the wife of the Edo State Governor, the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament is Nigeria’s premier pre-season women’s football championship. This year’s tournament carried the theme “Say No to Drugs,” aiming to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of drug abuse among youths.
A pivotal aspect of the tournament was a seminar that brought together over 10,000 youths, eminent personalities, guests, and representatives from all 36 states of Nigeria. The seminar facilitated discussions on combating drug abuse, exploring its various facets, impact on the sports industry, society at large, and collective actions required to combat this menace.
The closing ceremony was graced by eminent personalities, including the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, his deputy, Philip Shaibu, Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, and ex-Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung. The presence of governors’ wives from Sokoto, Enugu, Delta, Abia, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, and Bayelsa states, led by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum and First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Olabisi Fayemi, added to the grandeur of the occasion.
Praising the well-organized pre-season tournament, Sports Minister Sunday Dare commended the governor, his deputy, and the Edo First Lady. He emphasized the importance of women in sports and encouraged the First Ladies to replicate such initiatives in their respective states.
Erelu Olabisi Fayemi echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of sports in developing self-esteem and discipline among women. She expressed solidarity with the message of “Say No to Drugs” and affirmed the First Ladies’ commitment to addressing various societal challenges, including sexual-based violence and drug abuse.
The highly anticipated final match witnessed an intense battle between FC Robo Queens and Edo Queens, with Rukayat Oladeti scoring the decisive goal in the 24th minute. FC Robo Queens’ victory earned them a well-deserved cash prize of N5 million, while the runners-up, Edo Queens, received N2.5 million.
In the third-place match, Delta Queens emerged triumphant after a thrilling goalless draw against Nasarawa Amazons. Delta Queens secured victory through a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, ultimately winning 4-2. They were rewarded with a cash prize of N1.5 million, while Nasarawa Amazons received N750,000.
