August 13, (THEWILL) – The Governor Douye Diri pre season Football tournament kicked off on Monday, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, ahead of the new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, slated to commence on the 30th of August, 2024.
The pre-season tournament has in attendance seven NPFL teams comprising Rivers United, Abia Warriors, Bendel Insurance, host Bayelsa United, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United and a non league side Krusaders FC of Yenagoa.
In the first match of the day, Bendel Insurance beat Krusaders by a lone goal scored by substitute Chinedu Chukeujiekwe in the 65th minute from a defensive blunder.
Rivers United and Kwara United played out a barren draw in the second game leaving both teams with a one point apiece. Bendel Insurance lead group ‘B’ with three points after the victory against Krusaders Feeders of Yenagoa.
Sunshine Stars piped Bayelsa United 1-0 in the official kick off match. Ismail Ayodele’s lone goal gave Kennedy Boboye’s men the vital three points at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
In the last fixture of the day, Akwa United and Abia Warriors settled for a one all draw. Ezekiel Eddiong put the Promise Keepers ahead on 15 minute from a spot kick but the Abia Warriors side restored parity on 61 minutes from Sheddy’s sweet finish.
Declaring the tournament open, commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Kemepado remarked that the tournament is in line with the Prosperity administration’s mantra of creating an enabling environment for the youths to thrive in their chosen careers.
According to him, the tourney is aimed at adding to the corporate value of the state, stating that he was elated to see Bayelsa hosting national competitions, describing the State as a centre of good things.
He noted that the tournament would provide the technical adviser of Bayelsa United, Ladan Bosso the opportunity to select his preferred team before the commencement of the league, pointing out that he was impressed with the quality of football he witnessed.
Chairman Central Organising Committee, Mr Ono Akpe, asserted that the standard of game he saw was beyond a pre-season game, stressing that all the teams gave a good account of themselves.
Mr Akpe applauded the sports-loving duo of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for their immense support to the development of sports in the last five years.
He also commended the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali, for translating the governor’s vision for sports in the state.
Tuesday is rest day, with the teams returning to action on Wednesday, when Abia Warriors will take on Bayelsa United in the first game at 8:30 am while Sunshine Stars entertain Akwa United at 10:30 am, Kwara United will slug it out with Krusaders FC at 2:30 pm, while Bendel Insurance trade tackles with Rivers United at 4:30 pm.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
