… As Prosperity Cup champions, EGM FC Battle Warri Wolves…
From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa Pre-season Football Tournament has kicked-off in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, ahead of the new Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season scheduled to commence on 22nd of August, 2025.
Bayelsa Pre-season Football Tournament is a tournament organized by the Bayelsa Government to put Bayelsa United in shape for the new season as well as expose local players to NPFL teams.
Warri Wolves in the first match of the tournament humbled Bayelsa United U-20 side three nil to move top of group A with three points. Goals from Kudus Olayinola, Ademola Adebambo and Israel Oladeji on 15, 62 and 88 minutes was all Warri Wolves needed to beat the Bayelsa United U-20 side.
Host, Bayelsa United in the second match of the day lost two nil to neighbours, Bendel Insurance of Benin, a goal in each half from Isaac Omijie and Victor Peter on 47 and 88 minutes gave the Benin Arsenals the deserved victory with Bayelsa United Jawad Mustapha missing a spot kick on 77 minutes.
Action will resume on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 as Warri Wolves battle Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC by 1.00p.m. while Bendel Insurance will take on Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri at 3.00p.m. at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Despite the defeat, Bayelsa United Chief Coach, Meremu Okara believes that there are positives to take home from the game, attributing the loss to his team’s inability to convert their chances in the first half.
Also, Bendel Insurance Technical Adviser, Greg Ikhenoba in his post-match reaction, noted that the tournament has provided an opportunity for him to select his preferred starting eleven, saying that his team is gradually finding its rhythm.
Earlier, Warri Wolves technical adviser, Napoleon Alumua in his post-match reaction, said the reason behind their smooth quality of play was the blend between the old and new players in the team.
He appreciated the organizers of the Bayelsa Pre-season Football Tournament for the laudable initiative, stating that the competition has introduced what they intend to face when the season commences.
