Connect with us

Sports

New Champion Emerges in Gov Diri National Scrabble Championship. …Gov Diri Reaffirms Administration’s Commitment to Hosting 2028 National Sports Festival

Published

on

Adebola Samuel smiling to the bank with the trophy and star prize of One Million Naira (N1,000,000).

 

By David Owei
Adebola Samuel of Ogun State has emerged winner of the Masters category in the 5th Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The two-day tournament, which featured over 300 players in five categories, including Masters, Intermediate, Opens, Veterans and Students, witnessed Adebola Samuel smiling to the bank with the trophy and star prize of One Million Naira (N1,000,000).

Samuel joins Avwenagha Oshevire of Delta, Nsikak Etim of Akwa Ibom and Enoch Nwali of Ebonyi State as winners of the annual fiesta.

Samuel won the Masters category with a cumulative of +856, Jimoh Abdulmumini came second with +672 cumulative while Chuks Nwaeze finished third with +354 cumulative.

Dorcas Innocent of Bayelsa was crowned winner of the Opens category, dethroning Theophilus Nimibo in the category. Former national champion, Doku Esan took home the Veteran’s title while Edowor Bobor emerged champions in the Intermediate category to overthrow Doubara Enai.

Pereowei Edidie of the Federal Government College, Odi retained the Students category title with a cumulative of +2060 while August Shannon came second with +1748 cumulative.

Declaring the championship closed, Governor Douye Diri commended the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association for consistently hosting the championship in the last five years which has become one of Nigeria’s premier intellectual sporting event.

Governor Diri, who was represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali, noted that the performance of the players has shown that sports is not just about physical contest but also an avenue for discipline and national unity.

He remarked that there is a deliberate effort by his administration to make Bayelsa the hub of sports in Nigeria, stating that the state’s triumph in the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and the performance of Bayelsa in the last three editions of the National Sports Festival was indicative of the state government’s investment in sports.

According to him, Bayelsa is not a one-sport state but multi-dimensional, adding that the state won medals in over twenty different sports which showcases the versatility of Bayelsa sporting prowess, maintaining that his administration is using sports as a tool to curb crime.

Governor Diri, who hinted that Bayelsa has officially submitted a bid to host the 2028 National Sports Festival which the state is upbeat of winning, pointing out that the 2028 National Sports Festival would be well-organised and the most athletes-friendly National Sports Festival.

His words, “this tournament fully supported by the Bayelsa State Government has become one of Nigeria’s most premier intellectual sporting events attracting top players across the country with prize money this year amounting to N10,000,000.00”.

President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Chief Olubake Aka in his remark, asserted that the overwhelming results of this year’s tournament signifies that the championship is yielding results.

While commending Governor Diri for financing the tournament, Chief Aka appealed to the government, corporate organizations and multinational oil companies to sponsor in order to improve the prize money.

Earlier in the address of welcome, chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, opined that the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship has become a pride to the state, stressing that the tournament creates an avenue for frenzy.

He explained that the championship has improved the performance of Bayelsans in becoming better scrabble players, pointing out that a Bayelsan winning the Masters in the last National Sports Festival speaks volumes of the competition’s impact on the state.

The winner of the Master’s category, Adebola Samuel in an interview, expressed joy for his triumph, adding that his aim at the moment is to perform excellently at the World Championship in Malaysia this year and the African Scrabble Championship.

He explained that he won the championship from an English word “Volubly” derived from “voluble” which means “talkative”, having played averment earlier.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Sports

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

Published

on

By

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.


Continue Reading

Sports

Bayelsa United Resumes Training, Targets NPFL Return

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Latest

General News5 hours ago

OBYC Worldwide fault Ineife led IYC over planned protest against Bayelsà Industrialist. ….urges IYC to respect for Court Process

By David Owei,Bayelsa The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) Worldwide has condemned the planned protest over the legal dispute involving...

General News5 hours ago

OBYC Worldwide fault Ineife led IYC over planned protest against Bayelsà Industrialist. ….urges IYC to respect for Court Process The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) Worldwide has condemned the planned protest over the legal dispute involving Azikel Group President, Dr. Azibapu Godbless Eruani, CFR, and Mr. Kariyai Daukoru, describing the action as unnecessary while the matter remains before a competent court. OBYC, in a statement issued on Saturday and made available to newsmen, urged Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone Chairman, Comrade Peres Ineife, to suspend the proposed protest and allow the judicial process to run its course. It also appealed to the newly elected IYC Worldwide President, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, to promote dialogue and reconciliation among the parties involved in the Aviation Training initiative. OBYC maintained that Dr. Eruani’s aviation training initiative was a philanthropic programme designed to empower Bayelsa youths and rejected allegations that he intended to victimise anyone. The Council further called on Ijaw youths, political leaders and stakeholders to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law, and avoid actions capable of undermining the judiciary or disrupting peace.

By David Owei,Bayelsa The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) Worldwide has condemned the planned protest over the legal dispute involving...

Sports5 hours ago

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

By David Owei,Bayelsa ‎ ‎The quest to return Bayelsa United to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL next season is...

General News5 hours ago

Two Fishermen Fear Dead ln Bayelsa Ocean

By David Owei,Bayelsa Two fishermen have been declared missing after their boat capsized off the coast of Opu-Okumbiri in Brass...

Business & Economy9 hours ago

NCDMB Commends Brentex on $50m Steel Pipe Facility, Assures of Industry Patronage

By David Owei The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has lauded Brentex Petroleum Services Limited on the significant...

Politics9 hours ago

Osun Decides: Stakeholders Set for Citizens’ Town Hall to Promote Credible Poll*

By David Owei As the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election enters its final 21 days, the Civil Society...

Business & Economy11 hours ago

i Tinubu, from Mama Akara to Mama Akwete

By Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a lucky man. He is a lucky husband and a lucky...

Law & Crime12 hours ago

Withdraw Your Shoot-on-Sight Order, It’s Unconstitutional-HURIWA tells IGP

By George Mgbeleke Prominent pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has asked the...

Politics23 hours ago

Stop “Ghosting” And Fix Pension Crisis, Build On Reforms We Started-Atiku tells Tinubu

By Our Correspondent Presidential flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress,( ADC), and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has faulted...

Politics1 day ago

Enugu Air: Gov. Mbah Reacts to Runway Incident, Says Safety Non-negotiable

By Our Correspondent Following recent Enugu Air crash in Benin, Enugu State,governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reacted to Thursday’s runway...

Trending