…..AS DEBUTANTS, BAYELSA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY FC DEFEATS DEFENDING CHAMPIONS IN OPENING GAME
The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, officially kicked off this year’s Governor’s Football Tournament at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa on Monday.
While addressing the 206 sportsmen and women, Diri tasked them to be best loosers and winners by imbibing the spirit of sportsmanship, fair play and to ensure that they give their best throughout the competition.
The “Miracle Governor” while declaring the competition open, described sports as an integral part of every society and expressed optimism that the tournament will not only curb youth restiveness, but create opportunities for exceptional players who may want to pursue a career in football.
According to him, the state government was unable to host the competition last year, due to some unforseen circumstances but expressed delight that the competition is holding now.
“This is a competition that you need to put in your all, you wouldn’t know those who are coming to watch you, you wouldn’t know those who are coming to scout for players. This is a competition that can expose you nationally and internationally.”l
“And for the ministry and the organisers, I will like to appreciate you, and thank you for ensuring that this year did not pass us by. This competition should have been held last year, but for unforeseen circumstances, we could not commence it last year.” He stated.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, attributed the success of the sporting sector to the commitment and support of the Governor, who was once a Commissioner for Sport in the State.
Earlier, Director General of the “Prosperity Cup”, Mr. Ono Akpe in his welcome address, highlighted some prospects of the competition, and thanked the Governor for the attention given to sports in Bayelsa State since he assumed office.
“The tournament will run for six weeks and we anticipate that the final will be played on June 12. For now we have twenty centres across the State. Sixteen teams will emerge from the centres and will play until the final at this very stadium.”
“We expect a lot of national and international scouts in the last phase, the quarter finals, semi finals and final, while our own local scouts will be with us from the beginning of this match till the end of the tournament.”
Meanwhile, the opening game of the Bayelsa Governor Football Tournament, also known as ‘The Prosperity Cup’, lived up to its billing with a fascinating display between the defending champions, Okolobiri Community and newcomers into the tournament, Bayelsa Medical University FC.
The debutants defeated their opponent by two goals to one, to announce their arrival into the competition.
Action will continue on Friday in the selected 20 match centers, across the eight Local Government areas of the state.