The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has said plans are in top gear to host the second edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Pre-Season Football Championship in Edo State.
Speaking at the inauguration of the organizing committee for the tournament, in Benin City, Shaibu said the annual tournament has improved women’s football in Nigeria.
Commending the Edo State First Lady for initiating the tournament, he said, “I thank the First Lady for this initiative. As a government, we are thankful to you for this initiative. We want to return Edo State to the number one sporting destination in Nigeria. We want to make our state a hub for all sporting activities.
“Most importantly, this tournament is one that has also come at a time when we are fighting the ills in society, especially illegal migrations, drug abuses, and other social vices.”
Shaibu said hosting the first edition of the tournament in 2021 exposed the challenges confronting the girl-child through strategic engagement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).