Connect with us

Sports

DG Prosperity Cup Applauds NDDC Over Support for Sports Development

Published

on

By David Owei,Bayelsa

Director General of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe has given plaudits to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its investment in sports Development in the country.

Mr. Akpe, driver of the vision of the biggest grassroots football competition in Africa, who spoke on the sidelines of the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, said the funding provided by the Commission had immensely triggered a sports revolution in the region and the nation at large.

‘What we saw in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during the 1st edition of the Niger Delta Games and what we are seeing in the second edition in Benin City, shows that there is a deliberate and structured attempt to develop sports in the Niger Delta and in the country. We must therefore commend the NDDC for this, especially the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Chairman and the entire Board for this massive support for sports. Yes, it is enough to build bridges, roads, airports, but if you don’t develop human capacity, then you leave a huge lacuna in society’, he enthused.

Mr. Akpe, who is a member of the Main Organising Committee for the Niger Delta Games, urged other States, the organized private sector and other organisations to take a cue from Bayelsa to support the NDDC’s efforts, noting that investment in sports creates employment for citizens, take the youths off the streets, crimes and social vices and make the society a safer place for everyone.

He also gave kudos to the project initiators and organisers of the Niger Delta Games, Dunamis Icon for the vision of introducing the first ever regional sports festival in the country.

‘Let me also give thumbs up to the vision bearer, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo for initiating this. May God strengthen him and his team and give him the wisdom to take these Games to greater heights. With this, we have seen that local talent could transform any project. With these two editions, they have taken sports development and management to another level. It is not easy coordinating nine States and bringing them to one location, equipping, kitting, accommodating, feeding and funding them. This is really massive and I want to encourage them to do more’, the DG stated.

The Director General said organisers of the Prosperity Cup were in serious discussion with the NDDC, expressing the hope that the talks would bear fruits soonest, especially with the international brand, FC Barcelona coming into the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament as International Technical Advisers.

Mr. Akpe who said with such brand and the NDDC coming in, sports and football development in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta would get to a different pedestal by increasing professional level of coaching, scouting, talent identification and promotion, as well as exposing young footballers to better professional contracts in the major leagues in Europe and other parts of the world.

He thanked key partners such as Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, Binad Waters and recently, the Nigerian Customs Service through the Comptroller General of Customs, who is also the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and has encouraged the Prosperity Cup just as he called on others to take a cue and support the tournament.

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

Politics50 minutes ago

2027: You cannot afford to fail Nigeria, INEC Chairman tells staff

By George Mgbeleke The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has charged staff members of...

General News7 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 News7 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...

Sports7 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 News7 hours ago

Two Fishermen Feared 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 & Economy11 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...

Politics11 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 & Economy14 hours ago

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 & Crime14 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...

Politics1 day ago

Stop “Ghosting”,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...

Trending