Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Arrangement has been concluded for the kick off of the maiden Governor Douye Diri pre season football tournament slated for August 11-18, 2024 at the Samson Siasia stadium, Yenagoa as the organisers have assured a hitch free competition.
Six premier league teams, Abia Warriors of Umuahia, Akwa United of Uyo, Bendel Insurance of Benin, Kwara United of Ilorin, Sunshine Stars of Akure, and Rivers United of Port Hacourt, to be joined by Bayelsa United and Krusaders Selected teams will lineup for the pre-season competition.
A Press statement issued by the Chairman of the Tournament, Mr Ono Akpe in Yenagoa and made available to newsmen, said the Youth Development Commissioner, Hon. Alfred Kemepade will be the Special Guest of Honour and will perform the ceremonial kick off, while former Youth and Sports Development Commissioner and current Chairman of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission, Hon. Perekiye Buruboyefe, will be the Chairman, with Mayor of Yenagoa City Local Government Area, Hon Boloudiseye Ndiwari, and one-time Kolokuma Opokuma Council Chairman, Hon Ebikitin Diongoli, as Guests of Honour.
According to the chairman of the tournament, the draws will take place by 7pm on Sunday, while games will commence by 8am on Monday, at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
Mr Akpe disclosed that the winner of the Pre-season football tournament will go home with the sum of N1.5m, N1m for second place, and N500,000 for third position.
Mr Akpe also expressed his appreciation for Governor Douye Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for their pragmatic efforts in making the state one of the sporting hubs in the country.
He equally urged Bayelsans to turn out enmasse to support the two Bayelsa teams participating in the Pre-season tournament.
