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Former SWAN President berates shift from professional excellence to political patronage

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By Tasie Theodore – Owerri

Chief Fan Ndubuoke (KSC), former national president of the sports writer’s association of Nigeria (SWAN) (1992-
1996), has identified the shift from professional excellence to political patronage as one of the most damaging but often overlooked causes of declining creativity in the nation’s sports journalism.

He expressed sadness that many practitioners no longer pursue mastery of their craft but rather position themselves for government Favour, political connection and easy money. Ndubuoke former chief press secretary to former sports minister, commodore Emeka Omeruah stated this in a paper entitled the Burden of finding a balance between patriotism and professionalisms” the ethnical questions” which he delivered at a workshop organized by Imo SWAN in Owerri.

According to him the unhealthy situation has retrogressively produced a generation of sports writers who are laid back unmotivated and Unwilling to challenge themselves.

The former SWAN kingspin who enumerated the consequences of the above to individe loss of investigative spirits erosion of independence and weakening of critical analysis, warned that when journalists become beholden to politicians, sports administrators, agents or scouts, they lose the independent required to elevate the profession dwelling extensively on illegality and the Ponzi structure of sports Administration in the country as well as the foundation of sports governance in the country, Ndubuoke also a former board member, NFA and Pioneer chairman of Imo State Sports Commission noted that when institutions lack lead clarity, they become tools for manipulation, while policies shift with political winds and appointments made on sentiments with funds sent without oversight.

This is why sports administration in Nigeria’s today resembles a Ponzi scheme money flows from government budget into the hands of a small aide of administrators and their allies while very little reaches athletics coaches or grassroots programmes”.

Ndubuoke warned that until the nation confront the institutional illegality and Ponzi style governance at the heart of her sports, over talks about professionalism, patriotism, ethnics would remain empty slogans.”

He also counselled that ethnical journalism demands truth Accuracy, fairness, objectivity, accountability, stressing that the sports writer must resist the temptation of unbalanced reporting that undermine sports manger.

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‎Prosperity Cup 2026: Premium Trust Bank Receives Branded Jerseys ‎ ‎… Organizers Heap Praises on Institution for Continuous Support ‎ ‎The organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, have presented the tournament branded jerseys to its lead sponsor, Premium Trust Bank. ‎ ‎The presentation was done at the Premium Trust Bank Regional Office in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, ahead of the grand finale of the tournament on May 8, 2026 ‎ ‎Regional Head of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Danjuma Omeje, alongside Yenagoa Branch Manager, Mr. Festus Anwulichukwu Osih received the jerseys on behalf of the Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim. ‎ ‎Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe in a remark, said the essence of the visit was to appreciate the financial institution for their unwavering support towards sports development in the State, stating that their continuous involvement has given sports a new direction. ‎ ‎He noted that the institution has in no small measure played a pivotal role in advancing the popularity rating being enjoyed by the tournament, describing the bank as a sports-friendly financial institution. ‎ ‎According to him, the Memorandum of Understanding for an FC Barcelona-affiliated academy will be signed on the 8th of May in Bayelsa, maintaining that the academy in the first year will be Bayelsa Starlets Academy affiliated to FC Barcelona and thereafter, on satisfying the assessment criteria, will metamorphose to a full-fledged FC Barcelona Academy. ‎ ‎The DG equally informed the sponsors of the number of teams participating in the tournament, 257 teams, comprising 227 in the men’s category, 28 in the women’s and two para soccer sides. ‎ ‎Regional Head of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Danjuma Omeje in his response, remarked that the institution was pleased with the smooth organization of the tournament, maintaining that it will continue to invest in the development of sports in the State. ‎ ‎Mr. Omeje who described this year’s tournament as massive, noted that they will be actively involved in the grand finale of the competition on Friday, 8th of May, 2026, urging Bayelsans to invest with Premium Trust Bank as a sure institution for the development of sports. ‎ ‎He noted that Premium Trust Bank has in the last four years of its existence become a reference point to many financial institutions in the nation as a result of its excellent performance, in addition to its passion for sports development. ‎ ‎Among the Director General’s delegation were, the Deputy Director General, Mr Perela Aboro; the Tournament Director, Ebi Avi; the Director, Finance and Administration, Mr Werepre Martin Diegbegha; Head of Marketing, Mrs Morenikeji Adewole; and the Representative of the Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Mike Ede-Alakere. ‎ ‎Others are the Representative of the Bayelsa State Football Association, Mr Fubara Owonaro; Director of Media, Mr. Chris Odi; Media Officer, Mr. Hananeel Jackson, and the Logistics Coordinator, Mr. Aaron Ebipere.

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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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