Sports
Prosperity Cup:Merriment FC, Larama FC disqualifies from competition
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The Central Organizing Committee of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football showpiece, Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, has disqualified two teams, Larama FC and Merriment FC, from participating in this year’s edition of the tournament.
The announcement of their disqualification is contained in a statement signed by Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi.
According to him, the disqualification became imperative following both teams’ failure to return their completed registration forms and players’ licences as at the close of registration and therefore stand disqualified for the tournament.
The statement, which noted that the disqualified teams, both from Ekeremor Local Government Area, by their failure to return their registration forms and players’ licences, violated the competition’s rules.
Article VI Section 1, Sub-section 1(b) states that “All teams, upon registration must collect their players’ registration form, rules & regulations and subsequently licences, and submit within the stipulated time given by the Secretariat. The Secretariat shall not be held responsible for a team’s failure to collect their licenses.”
It notes that an official of the tournament severally contacted both teams’ officials to remind them that they were yet to return or complete their registration formalities, pointing out that the teams in question returned the forms two weeks after the competition had started.
Mr. Avi urged all the participating teams to familiarize themselves with the rules of the competition and uphold same, and not to exhibit attitudes that are capable of maligning the reputation of the tournament.
The Central Organizing Committee of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football showpiece, Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, has disqualified two teams, Larama FC and Merriment FC, from participating in this year’s edition of the tournament.
The announcement of their disqualification is contained in a statement signed by Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi.
According to him, the disqualification became imperative following both teams’ failure to return their completed registration forms and players’ licences as at the close of registration and therefore stand disqualified for the tournament.
The statement, which noted that the disqualified teams, both from Ekeremor Local Government Area, by their failure to return their registration forms and players’ licences, violated the competition’s rules.
Article VI Section 1, Sub-section 1(b) states that “All teams, upon registration must collect their players’ registration form, rules & regulations and subsequently licences, and submit within the stipulated time given by the Secretariat. The Secretariat shall not be held responsible for a team’s failure to collect their licenses.”
It notes that an official of the tournament severally contacted both teams’ officials to remind them that they were yet to return or complete their registration formalities, pointing out that the teams in question returned the forms two weeks after the competition had started.
Mr. Avi urged all the participating teams to familiarize themselves with the rules of the competition and uphold same, and not to exhibit attitudes that are capable of maligning the reputation of the tournament.
Sports
Gov Diri Expresses Confidence On Bayelsa United Interim Board. …Say Bayelsa Is Ready to Host 2028 National Sports Festival
By David Owei
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri says he is confident that the newly-constituted interim board of Bayelsa United will deliver on its assignment.
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, last week Thursday during the weekly Prosperity Walk, announced an interim board comprising experienced sports administrators and headed by Dr. Peter Singabele, to oversee the affairs of the club for the next six months.
Governor Diri gave the assurance at the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
He noted that with the calibre of personalities on the board, he was confident that the board would deliver on the assignment, pointing out that the board is filled with experienced personalities with proven track records.
According to the state helmsman, he was impressed with the board’s vigour to immediately embark on the appointment of a new technical adviser for the team, urging them not to rest on their oars until they achieved their objectives.
He asserted that the government would not interfere with the selection of players that the selection of players would be decided by the coaches and not by the board so that the coaches can be held culpable when they fall short of the set target.
”I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the Bayelsa United Interim Board that we have put together headed by Dr Peter Singabele, I am aware that they have hit the ground running with the process of appointing a new coach for the team. I want to charge them to run with speed to ensure that new coaches are recruited with players sorted out” Gov Diri stated.
”Players must be sorted out by the coaches, no interference by the board, no interference by the government, no one should interfere with the coaches, let the coaches bring out the best of players so that if anything goes wrong we will hold them responsible”, he maintained.
The governor hinted that his administration remains committed to hosting the National Sports Festival in Bayelsa in 2028, maintaining that his administration is poised to complete the ongoing construction work of the 30,000-seater stadium in Igbogene, 5,000-seater stadium in Sampou in Kolokuma Opukuma Local Government Area and other facilities in the State.
He assured Bayelsans that the stadium would be completed at the stipulated time to host the National Sports Festival, stressing that sports remain one of his administration’s goal to positively engage the youths.
By David Owei
Bayelsa State Government has set-up a five-man interim committee to oversee the affairs of Bayelsa United FC for the next six months.
Governor Douye Diri, two weeks ago, during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, dissolved the board of Bayelsa United after the relegation of the team at the end of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season.
The appointment of the board was announced by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, during the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Dr Akpe noted that the immediate task of the interim committee is to bring Bayelsa United back to the NPFL in the next six months, stating that Bayelsa United cannot afford to remain in the lower division for a long time.
According to him, the committee comprises an experienced football administrator, Dr. Peter Singabele; former Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi; Director General, Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe; Godson Ekarde while Ken Ekpolaemi Odogu will serve as Secretary.
”The task is to bring Bayelsa United out of relegation back into the Premiership level which is the right position for the club. Dr Peter Singabele, Braveman Wodi, Godson Ekarde, Ono Akpe and Ken Ekpolaemi Odogu have six months to return the team to the top division.” Akpe said.
The Deputy Governor equally appealed for all stakeholders in the state to join hands with the interim board and give every necessary support to ensure the dream of returning the Bayelsa State Government-owned team is realised.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
Bayelsa State Government has set-up a five-man interim committee to oversee the affairs of Bayelsa United FC for the next six months.
Governor Douye Diri, two weeks ago, during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, dissolved the board of Bayelsa United after the relegation of the team at the end of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season.
The appointment of the board was announced by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, during the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Dr Akpe noted that the immediate task of the interim committee is to bring Bayelsa United back to the NPFL in the next six months, stating that Bayelsa United cannot afford to remain in the lower division for a long time.
According to him, the committee comprises an experienced football administrator, Dr. Peter Singabele; former Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi; Director General, Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe; Godson Ekarde while Ken Ekpolaemi Odogu will serve as Secretary.
”The task is to bring Bayelsa United out of relegation back into the Premiership level which is the right position for the club. Dr Peter Singabele, Braveman Wodi, Godson Ekarde, Ono Akpe and Ken Ekpolaemi Odogu have six months to return the team to the top division.” Akpe said.
The Deputy Governor equally appealed for all stakeholders in the state to join hands with the interim board and give every necessary support to ensure the dream of returning the Bayelsa State Government-owned team is realised.
Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom After 56 Days in Captivity,NAWOJ commends FG, Oyo Govt
By Our Oyo Corredpondent The long abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo...
HURIWA Applauds Evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, – Demands Compensation for Victims, -Urges Diplomatic Sanctions Over Repeated Xenophobic Attacks
By George Mgbeleke The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) commends the Federal Government of Nigeria and Air Peace...
Stop voting by tribe, religion, Yoruba activist backs Atiku for 2027
By Our Correspondent South-West governance activist, Dr. Jackson Lekan Ojo, has urged Nigerians to jettison ethnic and religious sentiments and...
Respect S/Court Judgement-SDP Urges Ex-Nat.Chairman, Shehu Gabam
By George Mgbeleke The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has advised its expelled former National Chairman, to respect the judgement of...
Rivers 2026 Budget Gov. Fubara presents N1.8tri. ……Reaffirms Commitment to Prudent Management of Resources
By George Mgbeleke Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara on Friday, presented the 2026 Budget estimates of...
Grow Blue Economy in the Niger Delta.” ~ Bayelsa Monarch Tells FG, State Govts
By David Owei,Bayelsa The Acting Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom in Brass Council Area, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha has called on...
Minna Court adjourns ruling on suit by an APC Aspirant seeking amendment to his Name challenging party’s primary declaring Prof Yakubu Auna as candidate
By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna The Federal High Court sitting in Minna, Niger State, has adjourned ruling till 16 July for Application...
Market Demolitions, Poor Infrastructure Threaten Traders’ Survival” — Lagos Market Leader Cry out
By Our Lagos Correspondent Disturbed incessant demolition of markets in Lagos state, President of Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association, Comrade Chinedu...
Tinubu Unveils Remodeled Abuja City Gate, Hails It As “Symbol of Unity” for FCT’s 50th Anniversary
By Our Correspondent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly remodeled Abuja City Gate, describing the landmark as a...
Gov Okpebholo Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Collaboration to Tackle Insecurity
By Our Edo Correspondent In a bid to flushout crimes in fhe state,Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo is seeking...
-
Politics1 year agoGov Okpebholo moves to end Cultism *Threatens action against leading cult groups *Vows to demolish more cult houses in Edo State
-
Politics11 months agoASUU-NDU protest against FG loans, unpaid salaries,Non-Implementation of agreements …..says loans is generational slavery
-
Business & Economy11 months agoPC-NCG Issues Disclaimer on Purported Nigerian Coast Guard National Orientation Exercise In Anambra State
-
Entertainment2 years agoJubilation galore as Parishioners of CKC Kurudu celebrate their cultural heritage ….FG should exploit our Cultural heritage to unite Nigerians-Rev Fr Dim
-
Sports5 months agoBayelsa-born ex-football star’s son, Opuama donates spike shoes to Athletics Association
-
General News2 years agoReps hold public hearing on FMC Ugwuaji Awkunanaw
-
General News2 years agoCelebration galore as UDA Successfully Elected New Exco ……I will digitalize processes that will raise UDA to greater height -Comr. Okejiri
-
Law & Crime12 months agoLegal practitioner raises alarm over threat to his life by CSP Muhammed Abdulkareem