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We’re Repositioning Bayelsa As Sports, Youth Development Hub, Says Gov Diri World Athletics Rep In Yenagoa For 10km International Race ‎

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By David Owei,Bayelsa

‎Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday, said the state was prepared to host the 10km international road race on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

‎The race, which commences from the Opolo roundabout and terminates at the Peace Park in the state capital, Yenagoa, will feature no fewer than 2,000 marathoners from within and outside Africa.

A team led by Mr. Nadeem Khan from World Athletics, the global body responsible for monitoring and regulating international athletics competitions, is already in Bayelsa for the event.

‎At a world press conference held at the Golden Tulip Resort,Yenagoa, the Bayelsa governor said his administration was committed to projecting the state as a centre for sporting activities, youth development and promotion of healthy living.

‎Represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, he said the event would bring together national and international athletes, stimulate the local economy and set the tone for bigger international competitions as the state prepares to host the 2028 National Sports Festival.

‎Describing Saturday’s event as historic, Senator Diri enjoined all to participate in the competition as it was not just about the event but also about community and the future of sports in the state.

He said: “The Bayelsa State government under the leadership of Senator Douye Diri is positioning sports and youth development as well as promoting healthy living through hosting sporting events.

‎”We are inviting residents, visitors and the media to be part of this historic moment. The race is not just about the competition but it is also about community, healthy living and the future of sports in Bayelsa.”

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the Prosperity Government prioritised sports development as one of its cardinal policies for youth development.

‎She noted that this vision informed government’s huge investment in the sub-sector.

‎”We concluded another marathon race about few weeks ago in the state and for us as a government, sports and youth development is a priority. That is why government has made critical investments in the sub-sector.

‎”This race attracts athletes from different parts of the world and it will encourage our youths and others. I believe that this is one of the ways government can encourage young people to develop themselves. So, I welcome all our partners to buy Bayelsa products.

“Let me add that the government has invested so much on security. So continue to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of our state.”

First Vice President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, commended the state government for hosting the international event, describing it as historic.

‎Chief Ogba also hailed the Prosperity Government for its passion to encourage young people through sports and other forms of empowerment, and urged everybody to be part of the Olympic movement.

‎World Athletics representative and President, International Association of Ultrarunners, Nadeem Khan, commended Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organisers of the race, for striving to have elite athletes in international events.

‎He explained that although Nigeria had elite marathoners, none of them qualified to participate in the competition, noting that to be in the elite category, one must be among the top 300 in the world.

‎According to him, after tomorrow’s marathon, Bayelsa would be on the World Athletics calendar.

‎Khan stated that the winner will receive 5000 dollars, second place 3000 dollars while third place gets 2000 dollars.

He added that fourth and fifth placed runners will get 1000 and 500 dollars respectively.

‎Speaking also, Mrs. Olopade said the groundbreaking event would launch Bayelsa into the global stage of athletes.

She said the race was structured into three categories to ensure fairness and competitiveness, adding that technical and medical teams have been strategically positioned along the routes to ensure the safety of participants.

‎Olopade expressed appreciation to Governor Diri, the state government and sponsors for supporting the initiative.

‎Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the race kits to the governor at his country home, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

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More Talents Spotted in Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup Tourney ‎ ‎… As Competition Enters Matchday Three ‎

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Bayelsa United team

By David Owei,Bayelsa

‎The quest to return Bayelsa United to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL next season is gradually gaining momentum with twelve participating teams showcasing their talents in the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup pre-season tournament.

‎The competition, targeted at discovering home-grown talents that would be integrated into the Bayelsa United team next season, has the 2026 Prosperity Cup finalists apart from champions, Okoroma United, whose players are currently undergoing trials in different teams outside the state.

‎Bayelsa Starlets Academy in the first match of matchday two showed class as they whitewashed AJ Inter Soccer Academy 4-1 with goals from Silas Benjamin, Udake Joel and a brace from Nathaniel Ojigbere.

‎Former champions, Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene were held to a barren draw by rugged and determined Brazil FC. Ereme Jackson humbled NDU Oilers FC by three goals to one while Bayelsa United Feeders in the last match of the day edged out Grassroots FC with two unreplied goals.

‎The tournament will enter match day three on Saturday, 25th July, 2026. Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC will take on Grassroots FC in the first match at 11.00am, Bayelsa Starlets will keep a date with Mountain of Fire Miracle Ministry, MFM FC at 12.30pm

‎Prosperity Cup finalist, Akinima Biogbo will battle Ereme Jackson of Port-Harcourt at 2.00pm while Federal University of Otuoke, FUO Kings FC will lock horns with Brazil FC in the last match of matchday three at 3.30pm at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

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Bayelsa United Chairman calls for synergy between Feeder,Senior Teams as Season begins

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Players warming up for the football competition

By David Owei

‎Chairman of the Interim Board of Bayelsa United Football Club, Dr. Peter Singabele has stressed the need for collaboration between the Feeder team and senior teams of Bayelsa United

‎Dr. Singabele made the call while addressing coaches and players of the Feeder team shortly after their training session at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Wednesday.

‎He noted that for the club to succeed in it’s aspirations of returning the team to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL that coaches from both Feeders and the senior team must work hand in gloves to achieve its objectives.

‎According to him, the Feeder team is the foundation of every club in the world and not a dumping ground for players but a veritable platform for nurturing talented players that are capable of gaining promotion to the senior team.

‎Dr Singabele asserted that the board was deliberate about the growth of the Feeder team and that they are desirous of seeing more players from Feeder graduate into the main team, noting that the Feeder team serves as a “breeding ground”.

‎He hinted that preparations are underway for them to have a fruitful season, maintaining that the registration process for the Nigeria Youth League has been completed successfully.

‎”The feeder team is not a dumping ground. You must be up to the task of playing for this club. We must not compromise the growth of Bayelsa United. Because If properly managed, the feeder team will be the future of the senior team,” he said.

‎He explained that the board would thoroughly scrutinize players before they are considered for promotion, insisting that only those who meet the required standards would be considered into the first team, urging players to be professionals in the discharge of their duties.

‎The chairman assured the players and coaches that the board remains committed to improving their welfare, stating that the board is poised to provide a conducive environment for them to perform at their optimum.

‎Dr Singabele who described the NNL as a more difficult league, urged the players to be determined in their quest to bring the team back to the top flight at the end of the season, saying that one of the objectives of the pre-season tournament is to discover talents that would feature in the team.

‎Also speaking, Bayelsa United Assistant Coach, Ngozi Elechi, charged the players in the Feeder team to make use of the opportunity before them, stressing that outstanding players would be promoted to the senior team.

‎Bayelsa United Feeders are currently preparing for the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup pre-season tournament aimed at identifying and developing home grown talented players for possible integration into the senior team ahead of the upcoming football season.


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Bayelsa United Resumes Training, Targets NPFL Return

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Players in preparation for 2026/2027 Nigeria National League

‎By David Owei,Bayelsa

‎Bayelsa United have resumed preparations for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League, NNL with their first training session at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa

‎The session, which marked the start of pre-season activities for the club was supervised by the club’s technical crew, led by assistant coach Ngozi Elechi alongside Anderson West.

The Bayelsa united players


‎The players underwent light fitness drills and tactical routines as the coaching crew assessed their conditioning ahead of a more intensive build-up programme.

‎More players are expected to join the team in the coming days as preparations for the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup Pre-season tournament in Yenagoa gathers momentum in line with the vision of the governor, Senator Douye Diri to return the team back to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL at the end of the 2026/27 season.

‎Before training commenced, a member of the board, Godson Ekarde charged the players to approach the new season with discipline, dedication and a strong winning mentality, describing the campaign as “a season of serious business” for the club.

‎Mr. Ekarde, said the management is committed to providing the support the team needs to compete strongly in the NNL and secure promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

‎He urged both players and the technical crew to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering an improved performance and more consistent results throughout the season.

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