Warri Wolves and Bendel Insurance will face off in the Bayelsa Pre-season Football Tournament final today at 4:00 p.m. at Samson Siasia Stadium, as both teams gear up for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season starting August 22.
The week-long tournament has featured intense competition among four NPFL sides—Warri Wolves, Bendel Insurance, Kun Khalifat, and Bayelsa United—joined by Prosperity Cup winners Eternal Grace Ministry (EGM FC) and Bayelsa United U-20.
In the semi-finals, Bendel Insurance dominated Bayelsa United U-20 with a 3-0 win. Isaac Omijie struck in the 15th minute, adding to his tournament tally of three goals.
Adewale Adebayo extended the lead in the 64th minute, while Elmer Arunta capitalized on a goalkeeper mistake in the 71st minute to secure the victory for the Benin Arsenals.
Warri Wolves advanced with a 2-0 win over hosts Bayelsa United, courtesy of an own goal by Arise Ogundare in the 20th minute and a goal from Tejiri in the 47th minute.
Bayelsa United’s head coach, Meremu Okara, said the tournament exposed areas for improvement, adding that his team is addressing these ahead of the NPFL season.
Warri Wolves’ technical adviser, Napoleon Alumua, expressed satisfaction with his squad’s performance, noting the tournament’s role in sharpening their tactics.
He thanked the Bayelsa State Government and organizers for a well-executed event.
Bendel Insurance’s coach, Greg Ikhenoba, praised his team’s development, stating, “The players are aligning with my playing style, and I’m pleased with their progress.”
Today’s final is expected to deliver a thrilling contest as both teams fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming league season.
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