By Kehinde Osagiede

The untirery efforts and commitment of the wife of Edo state Governor Betsy Obaseki towards girl child and women development has again been reaffirmed as she in collaboration with the Deputy Governor Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu unveiled Football tournament, tagged Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament in Benin City.

The first lady during the unveiling ceremony held at the new Banquet Hall, Government House, Benin, said that the Football Tournament will be an annual event aimed at rehabilitating, empowering the girl child as well as for promotion of women football in the country.

Mrs Obaseki who gave kudos to the Edo Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu for the initiative, stated that the football tournament is going to be a part of her pet projects hinged on rehabilitation, empowerment of Edo girls and for women development among other objectives which include promotion and development of women football.

In an address, the Deputy Governor of Edo state Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu who is the chief organiser of the tournament slated for September 26 – October 3, 2021, expressed the hope that the Football tournament the state will achieve the core objectives geared towards the development of Edo girl child and becomes a part of Edo sports calendar.

“Let me thank our first lady and my brother, our dear Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki for giving approval for what we are doing in the sports sector, especially for giving us the platform to express ourselves through programmes such as the one we just initiated ‘Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament.

“We are breaking new grounds in women Football development and I want to thank the first lady for adding this to her numerous pet projects geared towards the protection and empowerment of Edo women.
“I am proud to say that we have succeeded in building a disciplined state owned football club Insurance FC. They play good football and apply the spirit of fair play always. Insurance played all home games this season without any incidents and after every game, both home team and away side embrace each other. So, we are building a new football culture and I urge other states to emulate us so that Football can truly play its unifying role in the Nigeria’s integration programme.” Shaibu emphasised.

In a statement earlier released by the Head, Media and Communication of the tournament organising Committee, Ebomhiana Musa, about 16 Nigerian female clubs including Edo Queens and some other selected NWFL sides will feature in the maiden edition

The statement added that the invitational tournament, amongst others, is aimed at encouraging women football in Nigeria and to prepare the various clubs to put them in top shape for the take-off of every new league season.

Nigeria Football Federation President and FIFA Council Member Amaju Pinnick was present at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium as the NWFL Premiership Super 6 opened in spectacular form as Delta Queens won 2-1 against Edo Queens on Monday evening.

Pinnick who was accompanied by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Phillip Shuaibu, Delta State Commissioner for Sports, Tonobok Okowa, Chief Solomon Ogba and Dr. Kweku Tandoh hailed the NWFL leadership for hosting a well organised Super 6 Competition, which will determine who will represent Nigeria at the CAF Women Champions League.

” I must say I am well satisfied with what I saw today, the level of play, the organisation as well as the reception.

“The homebased players are as competent as the foreign based players and I think some of these players are good enough to play for the Super Eagles. We are proud of the good works Aisha Falode is doing and we shall continue to give her all the necessary supports.

“I am satisfied with the standard of officiating, and as a body, the NFF, NWFL does not believe in mediocrity. The the true winner will eventually emerge at the end of the day.” He concluded.