Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has charged participating teams in the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup Pre-season Tournament to see the competition as a stepping stone to promising careers.
Governor Diri gave the charge shortly after declaring the tournament open at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk.
Represented by Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, the governor urged players to take full advantage of the pre-season tournament. He said the competition was conceived to nurture talents for possible recruitment into Bayelsa United.
Noting that grassroots development remains a veritable platform for talent discovery, Diri said the government remains committed to seeing Bayelsa United return to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, next season.
“Our charge still remains to return to the Premier League. And in doing so, don’t forget sports development. Get Bayelsans involved,” he stated.
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The governor also commended the interim board for starting on the right trajectory with the pre-season tournament, which he described as aimed at discovering generational stars for the future. He urged them not to rest on their oars until the goal is achieved.
Chairman of the Interim Board of Bayelsa United, Dr. Peter Singabele, said the purpose of the tournament is to discover home-grown talents to be integrated into the new Bayelsa United squad ahead of the new season.
According to him, players will be selected carefully by a team of coaches assembled by the board to identify talent during the tournament. He added that the board would not interfere with the process.
He explained that a technical committee of coaches with proven records has been appointed to monitor the tournament. The committee’s report will be analyzed by its head, Mr. Godson Ekadi, while a final screening will be supervised by Head Coach, Abdul Maikaba.
Also speaking, Head of the Technical Committee and member of the interim board, Mr. Godson Ekadi, said the board is committed to giving home-grown talents the opportunity to realize their potential.
Hostilities began on Thursday with Bayelsa United Feeders edging Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC, 1-0.
Krosaders FC were ruthless in a 5-0 thrashing of Federal University, Otuoke, FUO Kings FC, to top Group A.
In the match of the day, NDU Oilers FC came from behind twice to defeat 2026 Prosperity Cup finalists, Akinima/Biogbo, 3-2. Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM FC, also defeated AJ Inter Soccer Academy 1-0.
Hostilites continue on Friday, 24th July, 2026, when Bayelsa Starlets face AJ Inter SA at 10.00am. Group A will see Brazil FC go up against Krosaders FC at Noon. NDU Oilers entertain Erema Jackson of Port Harcourt in group C at 2.00pm, while Grassroots FC welcome Bayelsa United Feeders in the last game at 4.00pm
All matches will be decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
