Yenagoa—Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, Friday made an unscheduled visit to the camp of the state-owned female football team, Bayelsa Queens, to motivate the players.
Not impressed with the state of the facilities, Diri directed the immediate relocation of the players from the camp to a more suitable place pending the provision of a permanent camp.
The Governor’s Chief press secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement quoted him as saying the state government will take steps to provide a befitting permanent site for both Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens.
While expressing surprise that a bus to convey players was yet to be released to the team even after speaking to the supplier, the governor directed that necessary steps be taken to ensure the immediate release of the bus for the female team.
He noted that government will continue to support the teams to enable them to succeed and charged them to aim for the top prize in the competitions they are participating in.
According to Diri: “Returning here after a very long time, I thought you had moved away from this place because I used to visit the Queens here. I like to on behalf of government congratulate you for your sterling performances.
“In Bayelsa, we are used to being first. So, you should aim for the first position in your league.
“Having discussed with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Sports, I have directed that you be relocated from here immediately.
“Bayelsa Queens is a name in Nigerian football that everybody respects and you have to prove yourselves. I am happy I saw other countries’ nationals here and as long as you are here, you are Bayelsans as well.”
Diri further called on the private sector to invest in football as it is done in other climes, saying such support will go a long way in improving the fortunes of the sport in the country.
