By Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa
The Gov. Douye Diri Pre-Season Football Tournament is set to commence on August 12, 2024, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, featuring seven top-tier Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) teams and a non-league side, Krusaders.
Mr. Ono Akpe, Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee, announced the kickoff date and emphasized that the tournament aligns with Governor Douye Diri’s vision to strengthen the Bayelsa United squad ahead of the new season, aiming to avoid the challenges faced in the previous league campaign.
Speaking at a press conference in Yenagoa, Akpe disclosed that all participating teams had confirmed their readiness for the tournament.
Originally planned for six teams, the tournament was expanded to include eight teams at the governor’s request to accommodate the Prosperity Cup team.
Addressing the inclusion of Krusaders Feeders FC over the 2024 Prosperity Cup champions, Ogboinbiri FC, Akpe explained that Krusaders was a composite team, bringing together players from Ogboinbiri FC, Krusaders Feeders FC, and other standout players from the Governor’s Cup.
He clarified that the name Krusaders Feeders FC was a nominal designation.
Akpe expressed gratitude to Governor Diri, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and Commissioner for Sports Development Dr. Daniel Igali for their commitment to sports development in the state.
Vice Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee and Tournament Director, Mr. Perela Aboroson, outlined the tournament’s structure, stating that it will be played in two groups, “A” and “B.” Teams are expected to arrive on August 11, with matches beginning on August 12 and concluding on August 18, 2024.
The tournament will feature fourteen matches, with group winners advancing to the final and the runners-up competing in a third-place match.
Each day will see four matches, with a rest day on Tuesday and another round of matches on Wednesday.
The final and third-place matches will take place on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Aboroson noted that all participating teams will receive an appearance fee of ₦500,000 and free accommodation.
In his remarks, Dr. Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Sports Development, represented by Mr. Mike Ede-Alakere, Assistant Director of Human Resource Management at the Ministry of Sports Development, highlighted the tournament’s purpose of allowing Bayelsa United to test their squad ahead of the NPFL season.
Additionally, the tournament provides a platform for NPFL teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses and offers an opportunity for players from the recently concluded Prosperity Cup to attract attention from league clubs.
Mr. Ebi Avi, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, praised the government for organizing another national event following the successful hosting of the Nigeria Women Premier Football League Super Six, noting that the tournament would further expose Bayelsa’s youth to football opportunities.
The Gov. Douye Diri Pre-Season Tournament is sponsored by the Ministry of Sports Development and the Bayelsa State Football Association, in collaboration with the Prosperity Cup organizers and Red Sapphire, a sports management consultant.
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