The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bayelsa United

  • NPFL U19 Tourney : Heartland, Bayelsa United settle for a draw

    NPFL U19 Tourney : Heartland, Bayelsa United settle for a draw

    Heartland FC U19 and Bayelsa United played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in a suspense-filled fixture at the ongoing NPFL U19 Championship holding in Umuahia, Abia State.

    At kick-off, Heartland came through with the much needed goal in the early minutes of the games as its youngster, Nonso Theophilus, made no mistake to fire the ball into the bottom corner of the net to send the fans at the ginger stadium into rapture.

    Undeterred Bayelsa United kept a cool afterwards and worked out an equalizer as Stanley Udom finished off an impressive team play from the middle of the park, a goal which ensured a draw between the two sides at half time.

    Read Also: Yachine Trophy : Nnadozie celebrates Ballon d’Or nomination

    Upon resumption, rampaging Bayelsa United U19 youngster, Stanley Udom, gifted his side a penalty as he was hacked down inside the 18 yard box.

    Promising youngster, Stanley Udom, recorded a brace as he kept a cool head to send the goalkeeper the wrong way to establish a 2-1 lead for Bayelsa United at the half hour mark.

    Heading into end of proceedings of the game, towering Heartland Fc striker, Melody Onyeaghalam, rose the highest to head a pinpointed delivery from a corner kick.

    The entertaining fixture ended in a 2-2 draw at full time to hand Akwa Select U19 top spot after Matchday 1 following their 3-2 win over Abia Warriors.

  • NPFL: Akwa United, Bayelsa United, Ikorodu City secure season’s  first  wins

    NPFL: Akwa United, Bayelsa United, Ikorodu City secure season’s  first  wins

    Remo Stars climbed back to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League after they smashed Nasarawa United 3-0 in Ikenne while Akwa United, Bayelsa United and Ikorodu City all bagged their first season’s wins as the topflight entered Matchday Six yesterday. 

    In Ikenne, the Sky Blue Stars returned to winning ways before their fans after they obliterated the Solid Miners 3-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium. Sikiru Alimi opened the floodgates of goals in the 51st minute while Stanley Joseph doubled the lead nine minutes later. Ismail Sodiq with the icing on the cake in the 62nd minute.

    Remo Stars moved to the top with 15 points from six games while Nasarawa United slid to the 13th spot with six points.

    In Uyo, Akwa United waited patiently and got their first win of the campaign after a 2-0 win over Kano Pillars that had Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi in their fold.

     Former Bayelsa United defender, Endurance Ebedebiri put the Promise Keepers ahead in the added time of the first half before Friday Apollos made it second goal in his last two games with the game’s second goal in the 81st minute. 

    Bayelsa United and Ikorodu City both celebrated their first wins of the season as well. 

    Yahaya Ibrahim’s early minute strike was enough for the Prosperity Boys who dazed Plateau United 1-0 in Yenagoa while Rivio Ayenwenre, Kelechi Onwe and Toyeeb Ajeyigbe’s goals romped the Oga Boys to their historic first victory in the topflight.

    Read Also: NFF faults  Libya’s poor treatment claims before Uyo showdown 

    In Maiduguri, Heartland FC forced El Kanemi Warriors to a goalless draw for their first away point of the season. 

    The Borno Army who are still unbeaten in the topflight along with Rivers United this season have won picked up five away points but they are yet to bag maximum points before their fans. 

    The Naze Millionaires on their part followed up their first win of the season against Niger Tornadoes with a goalless draw in Maiduguri. It was their first away point after three away games. They will welcome Ikorodu City to Owerri on Thursday in a Matchday Seven tie.

    In another league tie, Katsina United failed to beat Rivers United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. The draw kept the unbeaten record of Finidi George’s led Pride of Rivers intact after six games though they slipped to the second spot with 14 points. 

    Abia Warriors also pipped Kwara United 1-0 through Sunday Megwo’s 76th  minute strike. The game was completed on Sunday morning after rainfall forced the game to be postponed from Saturday afternoon.

    Also in another affair, Niger Tornadoes needed a late goal to settle for a third straight draw at home against Lobi Stars. Tornadoes lost their invincible record in Owerri against Heartland FC but they were unable to make their home advantage count at the Bako Kotangora Stadium, Minna. 

    The Ikon Allah Boys had been held by Nasarawa United and Bendel Insurance in their earlier two games at home but they were staring at defeat against Lobi Stars when Ossy Martins shot the visitors ahead in the 61st minute. Majin Muhammed’s men managed to rescue a point after Emmanuel Olawale’s 90th minute equaliser.

    In the last game of the weekend in Ibadan, Shooting Stars were held to a goalless draw by Enyimba. The People’s Elephant had beaten the Oluyole Warriors by a stoppage time goal last season at the same venue but both teams could not bridge each other and had to settle for shared spoils. 

    Enyimba are third on the log with 13 points while Shooting Stars with just a win from three home games are 12th  with six points. 

    NPFL will return midweek with Matchday Seven games lined up.

  • Bosso pleads for more time with Bayelsa United

    Bosso pleads for more time with Bayelsa United

    Bayelsa United head coach Ladan Bosso has pleaded with fans of the Prosperity Boys to give his team time to turn around its fortunes.

    The Prosperity Boys on Sunday secured their first away point in the 2024-25 NPFL against Nasarawa United in a Matchday Five encounter decided at the Lafia City Stadium.

    Bosso in a post-match interview, said the team was gradually making remarkable progress in the league after Matchday five, describing the dropped point in Lafia as unfortunate.

    Read Also: Equities sustain rally with N263 billion gain

    “It’s unfortunate for Nasarawa United not to have picked the three points today. It was equally unfortunate for us not to have picked the three points here. But God has His way of doing things. “Both teams are work in progress. Both Coach Dogo (Kabir) and I need little time to go places.”

    Bayelsa United will next face Plateau United on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa in a Matchday six fixture.

  • Bayelsa United, Bayelsa Queens unveil Bosso, Ogbonda

    Bayelsa United, Bayelsa Queens unveil Bosso, Ogbonda

    The Bayelsa State Government through its ministry of Sports Development , has unveiled Ladan Bosso as their new head coach of Bayelsa United Football Club  

    Bosso, who was a former head coach of the Prosperity Boys has signed the dotted lines again to become the coach of the team that barely survived relegation from the elite division in the last game of last season.

    Also unveiled was Whyte Ogbonda who becomes the new head coach of the state owned women’s team, Bayelsa Queens whose manager Domo Okara passed away a few weeks ago.

    Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Yenagoa, yesterday, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri represented by his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the appointment of  Bosso and Ogbonda is a clear indication that the state  is at the ready to compete at all levels.

    Senator Ewhrudjakpo described the decision to employ the experienced tacticians as a strategic move to rejuvenate the team and build on their storied legacy.

    “Our previous coaches did well for us but we felt that is not where we ought to be and that is why we have taken this decision to bring experienced coaches like Ladan Bosso whom we all know his pedigree and Whyte Ogbonda… so we are ready to fight sporting wise.”

    Also, the commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Hon. Daniel Igali noted that the proven track record of Ladan Bosso and Whyte Ogbonda and their abilities to foster young talents made the duo a valuable addition to the clubs.

    Read Also: Oshaniwa urges NFF to  quickly  find Finidi’s replacement 

    He also hinted of the state government’s expectation from the gaffers.

    “Ladan Bosso and Whyte Ogbonda are two very accomplished coaches in the league and our expectation is they are going to push United and Queens a lot further in the League”.

    “Our expectation is continental football which i believe they know and we are confident that all things being equal we are going to get there,” Igali stated.

    In his remarks, the former Flying Eagles coach who has managed a number of clubs in the NPFL, including Kano Pillars, Wikki Tourists, Abia Warriors and El-Kanemi Warriors, expressed confidence his team will compete at all fronts in the new NPFL season and other competitions.

    “This is our job and we will do what we know how to do best. This is my second time at Bayelsa United and I remember we were able to pick continental ticket and I think this time around we will improve on that”. Bosso said.

  • NPFL : Bayelsa United may shoot down 3SC’s continental dream

    NPFL : Bayelsa United may shoot down 3SC’s continental dream

    Relegation-threatened Bayelsa United will host Shooting Stars in a 2pm kick-off live on StarTimes this Sunday, June 16.

    Both teams have everything to play for, with Bayelsa United just one point away from the drop and Shooting Stars aiming for a top-three finish and a continental ticket.

    The match will air on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244.

    Bayelsa United are sitting dangerously with just one point above the relegation zone, a victory is vital to secure their NPFL status next season.

    Shooting Stars, with aspirations for a top-three finish, are in pursuit of a continental ticket, making this match equally critical for their ambitions.

    Bayelsa United’s recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with a crucial win against Plateau United but also a heavy defeat to Enugu Rangers. The inconsistency underscores their vulnerability, but also their potential for an upset. Their last match saw The Restoration Boys picking a point away to Enyimba.

    Read Also:Cross-border disease: Nigeria, Niger Republic review surveillance to combat spread

    Shooting Stars, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum after their stunning victory against league leaders Rangers International. This win has reignited their hopes for a top-three finish and a ticket to continental competition. The Oluyole Warriors will be relying on their in-form striker, Christian Pyagbara, who scored the decisive goal against Rangers, to lead the charge.

    In the earlier game this season, Shooting Stars defeated Bayelsa United 1 – 0.

    For Bayelsa United, their home advantage could be a crucial factor, but they must address their defensive flaws, having conceded the second-most goals in the league this season.

    Shooting Stars will expectedly play with confidence and take the game to Bayelsa United. Their recent defensive resilience, not conceding more than one goal in their last three games, will be key to their success. They will look to control possession and create chances for their in-form attackers.

    If Bayelsa United can contain the likes of Pyagbara and exploit any defensive lapses, they have a chance to secure a vital win. However, if Shooting Stars can maintain their defensive composure and capitalize on their attacking momentum, they could emerge victorious and take a giant step towards continental qualification.

    Bayelsa United are likely to adopt a cautious approach while Shooting Stars are expected to leverage their recent form and look to control the game, applying pressure on Bayelsa United’s defence.

    Bayelsa United have shown they can score at home but need to tighten up defensively, having conceded the second most goals in the NPFL this season.

    Shooting Stars have been strong defensively, not conceding more than one goal in their last three games.

    With both teams battling for survival and qualification respectively, this Sunday afternoon’s clash on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244 promises to be a thrilling football feast.

  • NPFL: Igali solicits support for Bayelsa United against Insurance

    NPFL: Igali solicits support for Bayelsa United against Insurance

    In a bid to galvanise support for Bayelsa United, the Honourable commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Bayelsa State, Champion Daniel Igali has called on Bayelsans to come out enmass  to cheer the team in their match-day 18th NPFL fixture against Bendel Insurance.

    Daniel Igali in a statement personally signed on Sunday noted that Bayelsa United need all the support they can get in ensuring victory, particularly from the Bayelsa people.

    Bayelsa United which currently occupy 20th  position on the NPFL log with 14points after 17 games will welcome South-South counterpart Bendel Insurance on Monday at the Samson Siasia Stadium at 4pm.

    Read Also: Tinubu to grace Uzodimma’s swearing in ceremony Monday

    According to Champion Igali it would be a massive advantage to the Prosperity Boys should Bayelsans come out in their numbers to support the team.

    Similarly,  Daniel Igali also appealed for Bayelsa United to put in optimal performance against Bendel Insurance that will serve as a sign of good fortune for the team as they battle for NPFL survival.

  • ‘Bayelsa United will survive relegation’

    ‘Bayelsa United will survive relegation’

    The Vice Chairman of Bayelsa United, Julius Laye has assured fans and Bayelsa indigenes that the club will not be relegated if it can win its match against Sunshine Stars this weekend and the LMC deducts points from clubs who are owing players’ salaries.

    While urging fans to pray for the club, Laye noted that most of the teams battling relegation with Bayelsa United have also run foul of the League Management Committee (LMC) rules over payment of players’ salaries. He said that most of the clubs in the relegation zone were owing their players over three months salaries and expressed belief that they would be sanctioned with six point deduction before the end of the season.

    He stated that his club has consistently paid players despite having series of problem in the ongoing season. “Inspite of the fact that Bayelsa is the most stressed in the Nigeria League, playing away from home and having to pay to use stadium, while also meeting financial obligation to players and officials.”

    He said that teams like Dolphin, Sharks, Kwara United, Elkanemi and FC Taraba are all owing players over three months salaries and was sure that points would be deducted from them, which will to pave way for his team to escape relegation.

    “The LMC has come out several times to assure Nigerians that any team that flouts its rule over payment of players will have six points deducted. And we at Bayelsa believe that the LMC will enforce the rules as the season gradually comes to an end.

    “We have paid our players their September salaries and would get their October pay as soon as every worker in the state gets paid,” Laye said.

  • Dogo: We won’t underrate Bayelsa United

    Dogo: We won’t underrate Bayelsa United

    Nasarawa United head coach, Kabiru Suleiman Dogo has stated that the return of Ugochukwu Leonard and Manir Ubale would provide more options for him ahead of the Solid Miners’ road trip with Bayelsa United on Sunday at the Oghara Township Stadium in a Glo Premier League Week 33 tie.

    The Lafia side missed the continental ticket narrowly on the final day of last season after they drew at home to Warri Wolves in a tie where a win would have taken them to Africa at the expense of the Seasiders but Dogo in a chat with SportingLife said that there won’t be a repeat this season.

    He said the recovery of Leonard, who is the club’s second highest scorer in the league this season, is a big relief ahead of their tough tie with Bayelsa United who are troubled by relegation zone .

    Dogo noted that they are well aware of the fact that they still have a brighter chance of ending the season with a continental ticket if they win their remaining home matches and also get important results at away matches and that a trip to Bayelsa United has provided them a platform to add to their points haul on the league table.

    The former ABS coach said that he is aware of the pressure on Bayelsa United players and officials to secure maximum points in their remaining league matches to escape relegation but that he won’t make their task easier at all when they do battle in Oghara on Sunday.

    “We are in a position where everything is still very much possible for us and we won’t end our continental ticket pursuit just like that. We are going to Oghara to show Bayelsa United that we are up to the task and that we won’t give them breathing space throughout the encounter.

    “We know they are dangerous because they want to avoid relegation but we have other ideas on our minds and we don’t want anybody to truncate that  now,” Dogo told SportingLife.

    Nasarawa United are sixth on the log with 49 points from 32 matches while Bayelsa United are last with 30 points from 32 matches.

  • Bayelsa United frees Salomon Junior for Benin Republic

    Bayelsa United frees Salomon Junior for Benin Republic

    • Restoration Boys happy with coach Ederekumo

     

    Bayelsa United have released their captain, Salomon Junior to honour Benin Republic national team call for a friendly match with Congo inBrazzaville this weekend and so would be unavailable when they host Nasarawa United on Sunday in a Glo Premier League Week 33 tie in

    Oghara.

    Junior, who was with the Restoration Boys in Ibadan to cheer his team mates up when they held 3SC to a goalless draw in the last league game, was ineligible for the match having got five yellow cards before that tie and was suspended for the tie played at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan last Sunday.

    The Benin Republic defender connected a vehicle to Lagos from where he joined the flight to Brazzaville to team up with his team mates in the national team ahead of the weekend tie with Congo.

    The Media Officer of Bayelsa United, Eddy Asien Ohis told SportingLife that their captain would be sorely missed when they face the Solid Miners this weekend but that they had to allow him go so as to play for his senior national team.

    Ohis, however ,exuded confidence that Junior would return in time for the build up to their Glo Premier League Week 34 away tie against Kwara United where they are hoping to get a road win and miraculously escape relegation at the end of the season.

    Ohis further told SportingLife that they would also be missing the services of Hassan Oladimeji, Buhari Gafar and Raphael Owhorebi who have been declared injured by the medical team.

    He  noted that Bright Odogho, who has been deputising for Oladimeji in the left full back position, has been doing a good job and he is expected to continue with his impressive job against Nasarawa United in Oghara on Sunday.

    Ohis praised the head coach of the team, George Ederekumo for steering the ship of the team adding that even though the coach is from the state, he has had the team’s best results than when the former coaches, Solomon Ogbeide and Evans Ogenyi were in charge.

  • Akwa United boss wants turnaround against Bayelsa United

    Akwa United boss wants turnaround against Bayelsa United

    Akwa United head coach, Zachary Baraje has assured SportingLife that he would prepare a solid and better team against Bayelsa United after his players disappointed in their 1-0 loss to Lobi in Makurdi on Wednesday in a Glo Premier League Week 18 tie.

    The Promise Keepers flattered to deceive against the Pride of Benue and this made Baraje to point blankly tell SportingLife that his boys had a off day against Lobi in Makurdi and that he would use the period of their training to correct the lapses noticed against Lobi Stars.

    Baraje told SportingLife: ” I want to assure Uyo people that Akwa United will lift their game against Bayelsa United this weekend. We won’t play second fiddle. We didn’t play well against Lobi and we gifted them easy goal and were second best in Makurdi.

    “I have a lot of work to do during our training sessions. We won’t train that hard because of the closeness of the game but I will use the opportunity to correct our lapses against Lobi Stars ahead of our game against Bayelsa United in Oghara.”

    Akwa United are 14th on the log with 21 points from 18 matches.