August 15, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali, says he is pleased with the level of organisation of the ongoing Governor Douye Diri pre-season Football Tournament in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Dr Igali, in an interview with journalists after match-day two, commended the smooth organisation of the tournament, saying it is another reflection of the governor’s love for sports.
The commissioner noted that Governor Douye Diri is desirous of seeing Bayelsa United have a fruitful outing in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League, stating that the tournament has allowed a lot of teams to showcase the progression of their squads.
According to him, the tournament is not all about winning, but a platform for the various coaches to perfect their tactics, as well as know the form of their players, before the commencement of the league.
He described the Bayelsa United team as a work in progress, pointing out that they were gradually perfecting their strategies.
The Olympic gold medallist thanked Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for the endless investment in the development of sports.
Meanwhile, the governor Douye Diri pre-season tournament entered day two with hosts, Bayelsa United, defeating Abia Warriors 2-1 in the day’s opening fixture at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
John Bassey put the “Prosperity Boys” ahead two minutes into the game from a spot kick, but the visitors responded just before the halftime break from Ayodele Ezekiel’s effort.
Rabiu Abdullahi’s 75th-minute beautiful finish gave Bayelsa United the deserved victory. The victory leaves Bayelsa United with three points after two games, Akwa United with four points, and Sunshine Stars with three points.
In the second game of the morning session, Akwa United beat Sunshine Stars of Akure 1-0. Mare Apson’s 70-minute goal was all the Promise Keepers needed to secure their victory.
Kwara United pipped Krusaders FC 1-0. Ismail Gatta’s late goal condemned the non-league side, Krusaders FC’s 1-0 defeat in the hands of Kwara United in the third match of the day.
Krusaders FC put up a respectable performance, but were wasteful in front of goal, despite controlling proceedings in the second half of the game.
The closing fixture of match day Two saw Bendel Insurance and Rivers United sharing the spoils in a one-all deadlock.
Kayode Oke gave the Benin outfit the lead in the 14th minute, while the pride of Rivers State restored parity in the 47th minute from Okon Aniekame’s header.
The teams return to action on Friday, with Abia Warriors taking on Sunshine Stars of Akure at 8:30 am, while Akwa United battles Bayelsa United by 10:00 am, Kwara United will square up against Bendel Insurance at 2:30, and Rivers United will engage Krusaders FC by 4:00 pm.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
