Sports
Jonathan Flags Off New Bayelsa Stadium Project *Diri Seeks NDDC, Private Sector Support *FG, NFF Hail Bayelsa Gov
By David Owei, Bayelsa
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, turned the sod of the new Olympic-standard 25,000-capacity Bayelsa stadium project at Igbogene, Yenagoa.
The former Nigerian leader performed the groundbreaking ceremony on a day the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, restated his appeal to the federal government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), oil firms operating in the state and the private sector to join hands with his administration to develop sporting talents.
The Federal Government through the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) equally thumped up Governor Diri for initiating the project.
Dr. Jonathan expressed delight over the project, saying as a Bayelsan, he was duty bound to celebrate with the state government for the progress so far achieved.
He lauded Diri’s developmental strides, urging him not to rest on his laurels and that the contractor and the state government should ensure the project met the highest standards.
Jonathan also called on the state and federal governments to set up a sports fund to cater for sportsmen after their active days and encourage younger ones to be involved in sports.
He said: “This is my state and I have to celebrate with the government for the progress so far made. This is an iconic project that will develop the state. Please do not rest on your laurels as we want this stadium to meet the best standards.
“I am happy with the presence of relevant federal government officials. I hope they will guide the state well and support where necessary.
“As a country, we must have a fund to care for sportsmen. The federal and state government can think about it so that the younger generation will be interested in sports.
“I am happy that you gave a target of 24 months and I hope that by that time I will escort President Tinubu to Bayelsa to inaugurate it.”
In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri said the groundbreaking ceremony embodied a transformative advancement for the state with the potential to reshape the identity and aspirations of Bayelsa in the realm of sports and beyond.
He said the project was in line with the Assured Prosperity mantra of his administration, which prioritises urbanisation, sports, and youth development as the cornerstones of development.
Diri noted that boyind the value the project would add to the sports sector, the stadium will also generate economic opportunities, provide jobs and stimulate local businesses.
The state’s helmsman said while the government recognised the cost implication of the project, it was determined to make it a reality and urged young people in the state to seize the opportunity and strive for excellence, aiming for new heights.
He called on oil multinationals operating in the state as well as other government and private agencies to support the project in line with global practice where big business brands support sports.
He said: “This facility will serve as an inspiration for our youth – a place where dreams can take flight, talent can be cultivated, and champions can arise.
“The construction of this ultra-modern stadium aligns seamlessly with our broader agenda, not just for sports, but for the comprehensive development of our urban landscape.
“Globally, the practice of major brands sponsoring sports and stadiums has become a widespread phenomenon since the late 1990s. Notable examples include Emirates’ sponsorship of Arsenal Football Club’s stadium, Etihad Airways’ partnership with Manchester City Football Club, and Vodafone’s sponsorship of the McLaren Formula 1 team. Similarly, in the United States, companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Bank of America have sponsored various sports stadiums and events.
“Our situation should not be different. I strongly urge our federal intervention agencies such as the NDDC and multinational companies, particularly those in the banking, telecommunications, and oil sectors, to emulate this trend and explore opportunities for sponsoring sports and this project. Stand with our youth. In doing so, they will promote their brands while contributing to the development of our sports infrastructure. This will ensure that the Assured Prosperity of Bayelsa State remains on track.”
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, said the Federal Government endorsed the project, saying it is in line with the ideals of the government at the centre.
He remrked that it is visionary and bold to embark on the project, which he said had the capacity to impact on the economy of the state and pledged the support of the Commission to make the project a reality.
Also, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, and his predecessor, Amaju Pinnick, both described Diri as a man of his words and pledged support for the project, which they say will benefit not only Bayelsa but Nigeria at large.
In a welcome address, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, said the stadium had the capacity to make the state a dominant force in sports, saying for almost three decades, the Samson Siasia Sports Complex had served the state but that it was no longer adequate.
He said sportsmen and women have been making the state proud, stressing that when completed the stadium would create more sports champions and drive economic activities.
Sports
NLO Confirms that Prosperity Cup Selected Side, Bayelsa Starlets Academy Will Participate in the U-19 Youth League…
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The Nationwide League One has confirmed that Bayelsa Starlets Academy will participate in the 2026 National League One (NLO) U-19 Youth League
The confirmation, contained in a letter by the league body, and titled “Confirmation of Status of Bayelsa Starlets Football Academy (U-19 Youth League)”, was signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo.
According to the letter, the Bayelsa Starlets Academy, which is affiliated to FC Barcelona of Spain, Technical Advisers to the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, took over the slot of De-Gideon FC of Abuja.
The letter further stated that the club, being an affiliate of the Bayelsa State Football Association, shall play all its home matches in Bayelsa State and operate in line with league statutes, except where the NLO Congress directs otherwise.
According to the letter dated Thursday, 21st of May, 2026, “The Nationwide League One Secretariat hereby confirms that the above-named Football Academy, affiliated to the Bayelsa State Football Association, will from the 2026 season, join the Nationwide League One, U-19 Youth League. The Academy took over the slot of De-Gideon FC of Abuja.
“The Nationwide League One Secretariat has received the details of the transaction between both parties and can confirm that De-Gideon has no known liabilities”.
The letter advised the Academy to liaise with the Bayelsa State Football Association for further information regarding players’ registration and other documentation required for participation in the 2026 NLO season.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Bayelsa Startlets Academy and Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe, said the news reflects the government’s commitment towards giving the youths in the State a better life through sports, maintaining that the NLO U-19 Youth League would open another chapter for young players in the State.
According to him, screening for the Bayelsa Starlets Academy commenced immediately after the season 8 of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, under the supervision of a FIFA renowed instructor and Technical Adviser, Coach Edema Fuludu, ably assisted by Ebezener Atayero and other experienced coaches, pointing out that all the players in the academy are products of the just-concluded edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged, the Prosperity Cup.
He noted that he was pleased with the growing confidence of the players in the team, stating that the momentum in the team reflects the commitment and determination of the lads.
Mr Akpe commended the governor, Senator Douye Diri, the deputy governor, Dr Peter Akpe the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for investing in the youths through sports, stressing that the governor’s passion for sports development was the reason behind the tournament’s success story.
He also saluted the lead sponsors of the tournament Premium Trust Bank for their commitment to sports development saying ” the commitment and support of Premium Trust Bank to sports development is unprecedented and must be commended across the country. We salute the Chief Executive and Managing Director Dr Emmanuel Emefienim and the entire bank for thier faith in the youths of Bayelsa, the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole”
It will be recalled that the Bayelsa Starlets Academy, founded in 2019, and now upgraded and expanded, participated in the African Youth Championship in Cape Verde where they finished third among international clubs, and later went on to win the Bayelsa State League in 2020.
Sports
Fuludu Hails Bayelsa Starlets Academy Establishment. … As Screening Exercise Enters Day Three
By David Owei
Former Nigeria international, Edema Fuludu has hailed the foresight of the Bayelsa State Government in establishing the FC Barcelona-affiliated Bayelsa Starlets Academy.
Fuludu made this known during the Under-15 and Under-19 screening exercise to assemble players for the establishment of the Academy, whose Memorandum of Understanding, MoU was signed last week during the final of the season eight of the Prosperity Cup.
He noted that the only way for grassroots players to excel was to create a platform for them to get better, maintaining that the establishment of the academy would be a breeding ground for the state-owned team, Bayelsa United and other cadet national teams in the country.
Fuludu, who described grassroots as the foundation of football in any society, said the Bayelsa Starlets Academy would reduce restiveness among youths in the State because the youths would be positively engaged with the academy.
He expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the quality of players that showed up on day two of the exercise, pointing out that his team of coaches have identified an avalanche of talents during the exercise.
According to him, “over a hundred players took part in day two of the screening compared to day one that had seventy players comprising both U-15 and U-19 players”.
He explained that 39 players have been selected among the 100 players that came for the exercise, adding that one of the criteria for trimming down the number of players was age, because some of the players were above the age limit for the programme.
He further explained that the exercise is still open, that more players would join the exercise tomorrow, maintaining that at the end of the programme, 40 players would be selected, pointing out that those picked on day two could still be dropped if they fall short of the standard.
The exercise enters day three on Friday, 15th May, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium with proceedings commencing at 10.00a.m.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The Commissioner for Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Daniel Igali, departed Nigeria on May 9, 2026 and arrived in Samokov, Bulgaria on May 10, 2026 to serve as Technical Delegate at the 2026 European U17 Wrestling Championships.
The assignment, which runs from May 11 to 17, 2026, was officially communicated by United World Wrestling through its Secretary General, Carlos Roy, in recognition of Igali’s continued contributions to international wrestling administration and governance.
Aside from being a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling, Igali is also a key member of the UWW Technical Commission, widely regarded as one of the most pivotal organs of the international federation due to its central role in the technical organization, regulation and conduct of wrestling competitions across the world.
As Technical Delegate, Igali will oversee the technical organization and conduct of the championships involving some of Europe’s most promising young wrestlers across freestyle, Greco Roman, and women’s wrestling events.
The assignment further reinforces Bayelsa State’s growing international visibility and reputation in sports development, as well as Nigeria’s continued relevance within the global wrestling community.
Igali, a World Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee and Olympic gold medallist, is expected back in Bayelsa on May 19, 2026 following the completion of the assignment.
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