By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has commended the feat of the state-owned football teams in reaching the finals in the male and female categories of the 2021 Aiteo Cup (formerly FA Cup and later Federation Cup).
An elated Diri, while congratulating Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens for their outstanding performance, praised their indomitable spirit and resilience in surmounting the odds to qualify for the last stage of Nigeria’s oldest football competition.
Bayelsa United, which plies its trade in the lower Nigerian National League defeated hard-fighting Premier League neighbours, Rivers United, in the semi-final by a lone goal while Bayelsa Queens, a few days earlier, crushed perennial rivals, Rivers Angels, 5-0 to also reach the final of the Aiteo Cup.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Saturday, described Bayelsa United as “giant killers” for defeating other top teams in the Premier League such as Rangers International of Enugu and Lobi Stars of Makurdi on their way to the final.
He said the feat of the state-sponsored teams was historic as it was the first time two teams from a state were reaching the finals of such a major football competition in the country.
He assured them of the unremitting support and encouragement of the state government, urging Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens to complete their heartwarming performance by bringing home both trophies to the state.
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