Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Central Organizing Committee of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Nigeria’s premier grassroots football competition known as the Prosperity Cup, has disqualified Youbolobo Football Club of Agge from further participation in this year’s tournament.
The Agge-based team, runners-up in Ekeremor Local Government Area, was found guilty of using an ineligible player during their quarterfinal match against Advance Dreams Football Academy of Yenagoa on Tuesday.
Following a protest lodged by Advance Dreams, an emergency meeting of the Central Organizing and Disciplinary Committees on Wednesday revealed that Youbolobo violated Article VI, subsections 1(g), 2(b), and 2(c) of the tournament’s regulations, which address the provision of false information.
Investigations confirmed that Youbolobo fielded Austin Oboroakpo, who used a fictitious name and exceeded the age limit for professional players, who must be indigenous to Bayelsa State. Oboroakpo, it was discovered, had previously played for several professional clubs in Nigeria and made five appearances for the Super Eagles in 2015.
Youbolobo officials denied the allegations but failed to provide evidence to support their claims.
The disqualification advances Advance Dreams Football Academy to the semifinals, where they will face Bayelsa United Feeders in a highly anticipated match on Thursday at Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Commenting on the ruling, Mr. Ono Akpe, Director General of the Central Organizing Committee, reiterated the importance of adhering to tournament rules, warning that violations would face strict consequences.
He expressed hope that Youbolobo’s disqualification would deter other teams from similar infractions and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to maintaining the tournament’s integrity.
Akpe also thanked Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his support and assured stakeholders that the interests of youths and participants would be safeguarded, provided they comply with the regulations
