August 08, (THEWILL) – Stakeholders in the sports sector have applauded Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for organising the pre-season football tournament in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Top Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) teams are expected to be in Yenagoa for the pre-season tournament scheduled to hold from August 11 to 18 at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Eight teams, including the pride of Rivers, Rivers United, Akwa United, Bendel Insurance, Kwara United, Sunshine Stars, Abia Warriors, host Bayelsa United and 2023 Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament champions, Krusaders Feeders FC of Yenagoa, will do battle.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Director-General of the Prosperity Cup and Chairman of the pre-season tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, appreciated Governor Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for investing in the development of the youths of the state, stating that bringing the pre-season event to Bayelsa is indicative of the Governor’s unwavering love for sports.
Akpe equally applauded the Governor for approving the construction of a new stadium in Bayelsa State.
On his part, the Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Perela Aboroson, said the tournament will showcase flashes of what to expect from the teams in the upcoming season.
He commended the sports-loving disposition of the prosperity administration, noting that sports, in the last few years, have given Bayelsa a positive reputation and publicity among other states in the country.
According to him, the pre-season tournament would boost the economy of the state, as the revenue of hotels and other local businesses would increase.
He said it will also serve as a platform to put the Prosperity Boys and other participating teams in a better competitive shape before the commencement of the new football season.
Aborosson said that the tournament is not a must-win but an avenue for the various coaches to test their players to know their weaknesses and strengths, as well as mould them into dependable and winning units.
He appreciated Governor Diri for accepting to host the pre-season tournament just a few weeks after the end of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Prosperity Cup.
Reacting, the Zonal Vice President of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Mr. Kali Gwegwe, noted that the regular staging of competitions has helped in crime reduction and promoted peace within the state and its environs.
Gwegwe, who described Bayelsa as an emerging sporting destination, stated that the tournament would enable the coaches to know their preferred line-ups, as they intensify preparations for the upcoming season.
Veteran sports journalist, Mr. Mablas Akpuluma Jnr, opined that the pre-season tournament was an opportunity for Bayelsa United to showcase to their teeming fans what they should expect from the team.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
