The Day 5 and match day 3 of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament saw 4 teams qualify for the semi finals, 8 crashes out and loads of goals scored in style as organisers increases the cash prize for the tournament.
The first semi final deciding match between Rivers Angels and FC Robo Queens lived to it’s billings as the clash of the titans, haven seen the two sides emerged highest scoring sides before their encounter. The match started amidst loads of expectations from the two sides, the defending champions of the NWFL Premiership and Nigeria’s representative at the maiden edition of the CAF women’s champions league, Rivers Angels and another team which has produced more than five classy Super Falcons players, FC Robo Queens and the fans at the Uniben sports complex were not left disappointed as they were thrilled with superb performance and scintillating goals.
It took just three minutes into the game for Shobowale Rukayat to head home her team’s first goal from a free kick to set the ball rolling. On the half hour mark, veteran, Evelyn Nwabuoko from the spot sent Oloko Fatimah the wrong way to put her team back on level term.
Former striker of Rivers Angels, Opeyemi Ajakaye on the 60th minute put her team back in front after Adjei Charlotte had earlier parried Monday Gift’s header, the ball falls to her head and she will not make mistake as she powers home an header to put Robo back in front. Coach Edwin Okon made a tactical and successful change after he sent Christopher Precious into the game; it took the chubby, but great enforcer only spent three minutes with only three touches before she put her level for her side with a great shot from edge of the box. The third was added by hardworking forward, MaryAnn who latched on to a rebounded shot from the gloves of Oloko Fatimah, courtesy Christopher Precious’ shot. Rivers Angels with that result clinched 9 points from three games with 10 goals scored and 2 conceded and climbs the top of Group B.
In the other group B match, Fortress Ladies and Royal Queens’ game ended in drab draw as no side could find the back of the net of the other side.
In group A, Edo Queens put up 5-star performance right in the presence of the Deputy Governor of Edo state as they took the Heartland Queens to the cleaners with five unreplied goals. Courtesy Emmem Essien with a brace, Elizabeth Zirike, Rebecca Ajumuda, Adaobi Okah retrospectively.
3 games played, three games won and 10 goals scored for Edo Queens earns them a semi final date set with Rivers Angels.
In the other group A match, Charles Glory led Rolly Angels pulled a shocker as they pipped NWFL Premiership newcomers, Naija Ratels by a goal to nill to bow out of the competition on a high note.
Group C wrapped up the day with another harvest of goals from the match played at the Uniben sports complex between Sunshine Queens who now have their technical crew disbanded and AITEO cup champions, Bayelsa Queens and the match between Kaduna Queens and Confluence Queens.
Bayelsa Queens secured their place in the semi against FC Robo Queens with 3-0 victory over Sunshine Queens who were at the top of the group with 6 points, two more than their conqueror, before the match.
The match between Kaduna Queens and Confluence Queens however ended in 7 goals thriller as Confluence Queens wrapped up their campaign on a high note, making sure Kaduna Queens return home with -13 goals.
In total, 21 goals were scored in match day 3, the highest of all match days, so far.
The semi finals will take place on Saturday October 2nd, 2021 at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium. FC Robo Queens will match up against Bayelsa Queens in the first match by 3pm as Rivers Angels will host home team, Edo Queens by 6pm.
Meanwhile, following the high standard of play in the ongoing Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament, the organising committee has announced an increase in the prize money for the over all winner of the BOWFT from #3 million to #5 million for the champions, first runner up #3 million from #2 million and the second runner up to #2 million from the former #1 million. Also, consolation cash prizes of #5,00,000 were also presented to each of the team nocked out in the tournament.