Bayelsa State commissioner for sports development, Dr. Daniel Igali, has expressed satisfaction with the level of organisation of the ongoing Governor Douye Diri pre-season football competition.
He gave the commendation during a media parley with journalists shortly after a match at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital.
According to him, the tournament is another reflection of Governor Diri’s love for sports.
While noting that Diri is desirous of seeing Bayelsa United FC have a fruitful outing in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League, Igali said the tournament has given a lot of teams the opportunity to showcase the progression of their squads.
“The tournament is not all about winning, but a platform for the various coaches to perfect their tactics as well as know the form of their players, before the commencement of the league,” he said.
The commissioner described the Bayelsa United team as a work in progress, pointing out that they were gradually perfecting their strategies via the ongoing tournament.
Igali, who is an Olympics gold medalist, thanked Governor Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for the several investments in sports.
Meanwhile, the pre-season tournament entered day two with hosts, Bayelsa United defeating Abia Warriors 2-1 in the day’s opening fixture.
John Bassey put the “Prosperity Boys” ahead two minutes into the game, but the visitors responded just before the halftime break from Ayodele Ezekiel’s effort.
Rabiu Abdullahi’s 75th minute beautiful finish gave Bayelsa United the deserved victory, leaving the team with three points after two games, Akwa United on four points, Sunshine Stars with three points.
In the second game, Akwa United beat Sunshine Stars of Akure 1-0. Mare Apson’s 70th minute goal was all the club needed to secure their victory.
Kwara United pipped Krusaders FC 1-0. Ismail Gatta’s late goal condemned the non-league side 1-0 defeat in the hands of Kwara United in the third match of the day.
Krusaders FC put up a respectable performance, but were wasteful in front of goal, despite controlling proceedings in the second half.
The closing fixture of match day two saw Bendel Insurance and Rivers United sharing the spoils in a one all deadlock.
Kayode Oke gave the team the lead on 14 minutes, while the pride of Rivers State restored parity on 47 minutes from Okon Aniekame’s header.
The teams return to action on Friday with Abia Warriors taking on Sunshine Stars of Akure at 8:30am, while Akwa United battle Bayelsa United by 10:00am, Kwara United will square up against Bendel Insurance at 2:30, and Rivers United will engage Krusaders FC by 4:00pm.
