Sports
Bayelsa-born ex-football star’s son, Opuama donates spike shoes to Athletics Association
Hy David Owei,
Bayelsa
Benjamin Opuama, 17-year old Norwegian sprint sensation and son of former Bayelsa United footballer, Franklin Opuama, has donated spike shoes to athletes of the State Athletics Association.
Benjamin, whose father, Franklin hails from Okodi community in Ogbia Local Government Area, is on holiday in Yenagoa and made the donation during a training session at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Ovom, Yenagoa.
Presenting the items on behalf of the young sprinter, secretary of Bayelsa Football Association, Mr. Diseiye Nwakwe, said the gesture reflected Mr. Franklin Opuama’s enduring passion for sports development in Bayelsa despite residing abroad.
He noted that giving back to the system that nurtured him is both a responsibility and a privilege, especially at a time when athletes require modern equipment to compete favourably at state, national, and international levels.
Receiving the items, the Chairman of Bayelsa State Athletics Association, Dr. Kolawole Oredipe, expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Opuama and his son for their generosity and thoughtfulness.
Dr. Oredipe who is also the Auditor of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, described the donation as timely and impactful, stressing that proper gear such as spike shoes play a critical role in improving speed, traction, and overall performance.
The Bayelsa Athletics boss who urged young Franklin to prepare to represent Nigeria in future competitions, also reiterated that Governor Douye Diri has approved the renovation of the tartan tracks at the sports complex, which he noted underscores the state government’s continued investment in sports infrastructure and determination to create an enabling environment for athletes to thrive.
The event concluded with words of encouragement to the athletes who expressed appreciation for the support and renewed their commitment to bringing honour to the State through outstanding performances, even as they prepare for the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games holding in Benin City, Edo State.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, heartily felicitates Dr. Peter Akpe on his historic swearing-in as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
The Chairman and members of the association describe Dr. Akpe’s emergence as a well-deserved elevation, considering his longstanding dedication to public service, administrative excellence, and unwavering commitment to the development of Bayelsa State.
Dr. Akpe’s inauguration marks a significant milestone in the political and socio-economic advancement of the state. His wealth of experience, visionary leadership style, and grassroots connection are qualities that inspire confidence in a more prosperous and inclusive Bayelsa.
SWAN Bayelsa acknowledges the critical role of government in the growth of sports as a tool for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and economic development.
As a body of professional sports journalists committed to promoting sporting excellence, the association expresses optimism that the new Deputy Governor will support policies and initiatives that will further strengthen sports development, infrastructure, and athlete welfare in the state.
The association also commends the Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for the confidence reposed in Dr. Akpe and assures the Deputy Governor of SWAN’s continued partnership in projecting the state’s sporting achievements to national and international audiences.
SWAN Bayelsa prays for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for Dr. Akpe as he undertakes the responsibilities of his new office.
The association expresses confidence that his tenure will contribute meaningfully to the overall growth and stability of Bayelsa State.
Once again, we congratulate Dr. Peter Akpe on this remarkable achievement and wish him a successful and impactful tenure as Deputy Governor.
Sports
Gov.Diri to Perform Prosperity Cup Season 8 Kick-off … As FC Barcelona Technical Crew give Thumbs Up to Prosperity Cup Organizers
By David Owei,Bayelsa
All is now set for the kick-off of Season eight of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi ahead of the kick-off of the showpiece.
According to Avi, the historic kick-off will see two Bayelsa selected sides, tutored by FC Barcelona Technical Directors in a Spanish-Bayelsa combo, immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk on Thursday, 26th February 2026 at 7.30am at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The statement states that the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, is expected to lead members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, the FC Barcelona team and other stakeholders to take the ceremonial kick-off.
It explained that Governor Douye Diri would be the Special Guest of Honour, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali will serve as Chief Host while the officials FC Barcelona, Mr. Bernat Villa Gorriz and Alberto Lafuente Rincon would be Special Guests.
The statement further hinted that the four-day FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic, with FC Barcelona, the tournament’s International Technical Advisers, is currently ongoing at the Golden Tulip Apartments and Resort, Yenagoa.
The statement urges stakeholders, sports enthusiasts, coaches and participating teams to be part of the epoch-making event, maintaining that the Prosperity Cup has become a global brand.
The Tournament Director appreciated the Bayelsa State Government, Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Binad Table Waters, King George’s Court and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue for their immense contribution to the development of sports in the State.
Meanwhile, the FC Barcelona Team Lead, Bernat Villa Gorriz has commended the organisers of the tournament, for putting together the coaching clinic.
According to him, “I am very impressed with the attention to details by the organizers. For me, it is nice to be here to share our thoughts with the coaches. We all know the dream of the players in the competition is to improve their skills, play professional football, travel to Europe, and one day, maybe play for Barcelona. We will see what we can do to assist them achieve their dreams.”
All is now set for the kick-off of Season eight of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi ahead of the kick-off of the showpiece.
According to Avi, the historic kick-off will see two Bayelsa selected sides, tutored by FC Barcelona Technical Directors in a Spanish-Bayelsa combo, immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk on Thursday, 26th February 2026 at 7.30am at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The statement states that the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, is expected to lead members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, the FC Barcelona team and other stakeholders to take the ceremonial kick-off.
It explained that Governor Douye Diri would be the Special Guest of Honour, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali will serve as Chief Host while the officials FC Barcelona, Mr. Bernat Villa Gorriz and Alberto Lafuente Rincon would be Special Guests.
The statement further hinted that the four-day FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic, with FC Barcelona, the tournament’s International Technical Advisers, is currently ongoing at the Golden Tulip Apartments and Resort, Yenagoa.
The statement urges stakeholders, sports enthusiasts, coaches and participating teams to be part of the epoch-making event, maintaining that the Prosperity Cup has become a global brand.
The Tournament Director appreciated the Bayelsa State Government, Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Binad Table Waters, King George’s Court and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue for their immense contribution to the development of sports in the State.
Meanwhile, the FC Barcelona Team Lead, Bernat Villa Gorriz has commended the organisers of the tournament, for putting together the coaching clinic.
According to him, “I am very impressed with the attention to details by the organizers. For me, it is nice to be here to share our thoughts with the coaches. We all know the dream of the players in the competition is to improve their skills, play professional football, travel to Europe, and one day, maybe play for Barcelona. We will see what we can do to assist them achieve their dreams.”
Sports
Bayelsa Clinch 5 Gold Medals on Day 4 of 2nd Niger Delta Games — Occupy 3rd Spot in Medals Table
By David Owei,Bayelsa
Team Bayelsa added 5 more gold medals to their tally on day 4 of competition at the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games, Edo 2026.
Bayelsa won 5 gold medals on the opening day, and added 3 more gold medals the next day.
On Monday, Bayelsa won 2 gold medals in Swimming, adding 1 silver and 1 bronze from the pool.
They also earned 3 gold and 2 silver medals in Chess.
Traditional Wrestling also raked in 1 silver and 1 bronze.
As of Monday evening, Team Bayelsa are third in the overall medals table with 13 gold, 7 silver and 11 bronze giving a total of 31 medals after 4 days of action.
Hosts, Edo State lead the medals table with 47 medals comprising 22 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze.
Delta are 2nd with 44 medals made up of 14 gold, 19 silver and 11 bronze.
Abia are 4th, Cross River 5th, Rivers 6th , Akwa Ibom 7th and Imo 8th while Ondo are bottom with 2 gold, 1 silver and 5 bronze bringing their total to 8 medals.
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