* Local Government Finals Continue On Saturday In Sagbama*
Krusaders Feeders FC of Peretorugbene have emerged champions of the Ekeremor Local Government Area of the first local government finals in the ongoing Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup in a pulsating final decided at the Ekeremor Township Stadium on Friday.
The final, which witnessed electrifying football from both sides – Krusaders Feeders FC and Petroleum Boys FC – was watched by the Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon Onniye Isaac, Vice Chairperson, supervisory councilors and other political appointees.
Krusaders Feeders FC had to dig deep into their repository of skill, tactics and endurance to beat Petroleum Boys FC 2-1 and lift the trophy. Handsome Surveyor put the Peretorugbene based side ahead in the 17th minute from a rebounded effort to send the Krusaders Feeders FC fans into celebration.
Jeremiah Ebiye restored parity for Petroleum Boys FC after 25 minutes of play from a solo move as he intelligently beat Krusaders Feeders FC goalkeeper ThankGod Aloysius, to make it 1-1 adding more fun to an already entertaining first half.
The Oil Boys on resumption almost went ahead twice but were cut off by the defensive solidity of Wilfred Bomo and Pina Sagbamaowei, who prevented Solomon Akpokabowei and Jeremiah Ebiye from committing more havoc throughout the second half.
Sergeant Owoye on 67 minute restored the lead for Krusaders Feeders FC from a Godgift Okilo cross the Petroleum Boys FC goalkeeper uncharacteristically parried into Owoye’s path who didn’t need a second invitation to beautifully slot in the ball for ctoach Genesis’ men.
A plaque and prize money of one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) only was presented to the winner and fifty thousand naira (N50,000) plus plaque to the runner-up by the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe while the Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac gave both sides twenty thousand naira (N20,000) each.
His Excellency in a message sent to the organisers congratulated them for holding the inaugural LGA FINALS. He stated that with the videos, photos and reports he saw, he is indeed impressed by the massive followership the tournament has attracted right down to the community level. He urged the organiser to sustain the achievements recorded in the tournament so far.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Daniel Igali represented by Head of Human Resources, Ministry of Sports, Mr Mike Ede-Alakere commended the lads for the beautiful skills and tactical play they entertained the crowd with all through the match, stating that he was impressed with the quality of football displayed by both sides.
Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac hailed the governor for engaging the youths positively through sports, describing sports as a veritable investment for growth and meaningful living for the youths.
The council boss who described Ekeremor as the home of football in Bayelsa, asserted that the council was leaving nothing to chance in consolidating on the achievements of the governor in the sports sector He expressed optimism that both teams will progress to the final of the tournament. He assured the teams of his support as they prepare for the round of 32 and the international scouting programme in Yenagoa in early July.
He appreciated the organizers of the tournament for sustaining the competition over the years, stating that he was pleased with the progress recorded so far.
Earlier, Tournament Director, Mr Perela Aboro, thanked the council chairman for ensuring that the venue was made ready for the finals despite the unfavourably weather in the last few days noting that the target of the tournament was to showcase young Bayelsans to European clubs. He assured the teams that with the display of skills by the players, one or two of their players will surely make it to Europe this year.
On his part, the Director General of the Prosperity Cup expressed great delight in the skills diaplayed by both teams, saying indeed that it has been one of the most exciting displays of football in the entire tournament. He thanked the governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his massive support for sports and youth development and expressed the belief that in a short while, a new crop of national players shall emerge from Bayelsa State.
The Local Government Area Finals will continue on Saturday in Sagbama with Agbere FC locking horns with Bayelsa United Feeders and on Sunday in Brass, Water Strikers will slug it out with Kongho United to produce the Brass Champion. The Sagbama Final would be held in Ebedebiri Community School Field on Saturday June 15th by 1pm prompt with the Deputy Governor expected to attend as a Special Guest of Honour.
