By David Owei,Bayelsa
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‎Bayelsa Starlets Academy, affiliated to FC Barcelona of Spain, continued their impressive run in the N-Youth League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Triple VFR Football Academy of Umuahia in the South South/South East Conference.
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‎The Yenagoa-based academy has maintained a scintillating run of form, recording four consecutive victories in as many matches. The impressive achievement underscores the team’s ambition, discipline and determination to make a strong impression in the competition.
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‎Head Coach Gomo Onduku made a few changes to the side that convincingly defeated JCE FA a week ago, with Raphael ThankGod and Wisdom Omosua earning places in the matchday squad, while Adamawa Oyintari retained his position between the sticks.
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‎Bayelsa Starlets dominated possession and dictated the tempo of the encounter, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute through Tengi Ibuama.
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‎The goal followed a well-weighted low cross from Wisdom Omosua into the danger area, which Tengi calmly converted with a superb right-footed finish to give the hosts an early advantage.
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‎The strike proved decisive as Bayelsa Starlets demonstrated tactical discipline, composure and defensive resilience to protect their lead and secure all three points.
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‎With the victory, Bayelsa Starlets are placed second on the conference standings with 12 points from four matches, level on points with S-King Football Academy of Umuahia, who occupy the top spot by virtue of superior goal difference of +12 compared to Starlets’ +8. FC Prague Nigeria occupies the third position with nine points.
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‎Bayelsa Starlets will next travel to Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where they will face Mariners City FC on November 12, 2026, as they seek to extend their impressive winning streak.
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‎Speaking after the encounter, Bayelsa Starlets Head Coach, Gomo Onduku, attributed the team’s impressive performance to the collective commitment of the management, technical crew and players, while cautioning his wards against complacency.
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‎‎Onduku further expressed satisfaction with the team’s steady progress, noting that the possession-based approach adopted by the academy reflects the football philosophy of FC Barcelona.
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‎He added: “We are building a team that understands how to control the game, dominate possession and dictate proceedings through intelligent movement and quick passing. That is the Barcelona philosophy we are trying to instil in these young players. We are not only interested in winning matches; we are committed to developing technically-sound, tactically-intelligent and confident footballers.”
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‎On his part, Triple VFR Football Academy Head Coach, Charles Ekanem, acknowledged the quality of Bayelsa Starlets, maintaining that his players gave their best despite the narrow defeat.
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‎He said: “We gave everything on the pitch, but football is decided by fine margins, and unfortunately, we were unable to get the result we wanted. Bayelsa Starlets are a very good side with quality players, and they took their opportunity. We must accept the result, learn from our mistakes and return stronger in our next fixture.”

By David Owei,Bayelsa
Godswill Ibomo’s 29th-minute strike handed former Aiteo Cup champions, Bayelsa United, a hard-fought 1-0 victory over visiting Abia Comets of Umuahia in their Matchday One encounter of the Southern Conference B of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

The victory marked a positive start to Bayelsa United’s “Operation Return to the NPFL” campaign as the Prosperity Boys secured all three points in front of their home supporters.

Bayelsa United began the encounter on the front foot, dictating the pace and dominating possession in search of an early breakthrough. However, despite creating promising opportunities in the opening 20 minutes, the hosts were unable to find the back of the net, with John Bassey and Okardi Inikurogha both coming close, only to be denied by the visitors’ resolute defence.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 29th minute when the impressive young forward, Godswill Ibomo, cut in from the right flank before unleashing a superb left-footed volley that beat Abia Comets goalkeeper, Anyanwu Ugochukwu, to send the home fans into wild celebrations.

Having enjoyed the greater share of possession and attacking opportunities in the first half, Bayelsa United returned from the break to face a more determined Abia Comets side, who mounted pressure on their hosts in search of an equaliser.

However, the Prosperity Boys’ defensive unit remained organised and disciplined, frustrating the visitors’ attacking moves and ensuring that their slender advantage remained intact.

Not entirely satisfied with the scoreline, Technical Adviser Abdul Maikaba introduced Julius Godknows and Godbless Ayeke for Okardi Inikurogha and John Bassey respectively in a bid to inject fresh energy into the attack.

The introduction of Ayeke, who earned promotion from the club’s feeder team to the senior squad, also marked his official debut for the Prosperity Boys. Despite the late attacking adjustments, Abia Comets maintained their defensive discipline to prevent Bayelsa United from extending their lead.

Speaking after the encounter, Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United Abdu Maikaba described the contest as a difficult one but expressed satisfaction with the crucial three points.

“It was a tough game, but the most important thing is that we secured the three points. We created several scoring opportunities that could have given us more goals, but unfortunately, we failed to convert them.

“Although Abia Comets came out stronger in the second half and put us under pressure, I believe we will continue to improve as the league progresses. This is an important victory for us, and we are happy to begin the campaign with a win,” Maikaba stated.

On his part, Abia Comets Head Coach, Ifeanyi Ukaiwe, expressed satisfaction with his team’s overall performance despite the defeat.

“I am pleased with the performance of my players. Although the result did not go our way, the team’s display reflects our ambition and determination for the new season. We will take the positives from this encounter and work towards improving in our subsequent matches,” Ukaiwe remarked.

Also speaking, Bayelsa United captain, Gabriel Biriduba reaffirmed the team’s determination to approach every fixture with a winning mentality, insisting that the opening-day victory had strengthened their belief in achieving their promotion ambition.

“Our target this season is to win every match and give our best in every game. This victory is a good starting point, and it has further boosted our confidence and belief that we can achieve our ambition of returning Bayelsa United to the NPFL at the end of the season,” Biriduba said.

Bayelsa United will next travel to Ekiti to face Dokkal Khairu FC on November 15, 2026, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, as the Prosperity Boys seek to build on their winning start and maintain momentum in their quest for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Akpabio Congratulates Nigeria’s Golden Girls, Over Victory
By George Mgbeleke
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has sent a hearty congratulations to the Nigerian Under-17 Women’s National Team on their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup!

A statement from Akpabio Media Office signed by Anietie Ekong quoted the Senate President as describing the World Cup winning team as “Nigeria’s Golden Girls” who have made the nation proud.

“By achieving this remarkable feat, you have made Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. This is not just a victory for Nigerian football; it is a proud moment for the entire African continent.

“You have demonstrated extraordinary talent, determination, resilience and the true Nigerian spirit. Your victory is a testament to the hard work of the players, coaches and everyone who contributed to this remarkable achievement.

“Your courage, determination, discipline, teamwork and fighting spirit have brought immense joy and honour to our nation. You have demonstrated that with talent, hard work and belief, no dream is beyond reach.

“You have not only won a trophy; you have won the hearts of millions of Nigerians and inspired a generation of young girls to dream big, believe in themselves and reach for greatness. You are our pride, our champions and our Golden Girls!

“You have raised the Nigerian flag high and inspired millions of young girls across Africa to dream bigger. You are more than champions; you are history makers!

“To the players, coaches, technical crew and everyone behind this historic success, congratulations!

“The world has heard our victory song!” Akpabio said.