From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Ten female teams will jostle for glory in the 1st Governor Douye Diri Female Pre-season Football Tournament in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital from the 18th through the 25th of October 2025.
The 10 teams comprising eight NWFL side and two non league teams, will test their strength in the competition which is aimed at preparing the teams for the new season slated for later this month.
According to the draws, the competition would be played in two groups of “A” and “B” with five teams in each group.
Group A has hosts, Bayelsa Queens of Yenagoa, Delta Queens FC, Rivers Angels FC, Imo Strikers FC and Nasarawa Amazons while group B teams are Bayelsa Princesses FC, FC Robo, Abia Angels FC, Edo Queens FC and Heartland Queens FC of Owerri.
Matchday one will see Bayelsa Princesses against FC Robo by 10:00am as Abia Angels welcome Edo Queens 12pm at the Government House pitch while Heartland Queens are drawn bye.
Rivers Angels of Port-harcourt will face Imo Strikers at 8:00am in the early kickoff at the Government House pitch while hosts, Bayelsa Queens will entertain Delta Queens by 8:00am at the Samson Siasia Stadium in what could be described as the star match of the day.
Earlier in an address, chairman of Bayelsa Queens who doubles as the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Pastor Robin Apreala, assured the various participating teams of fairness throughout the tournament, urging the referees to be professional in the discharge of their duties.
He explained that the essence of the tournament was to prepare teams in the Nigeria Women Premier Football League, NWFL ahead of the new season, pointing out that the number of teams that indicated interest for the tournament is indicative of the acceptance of the tournament.
Pastor Apreala appreciated the governor, Senator Douye Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for ensuring that the competition is hosted in Yenagoa to prepare the girls for the new NWFL campaign.
Also, Director of the Tournament, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe hinted that the ten teams will participate in the competition in two groups “A and B”, maintaining that the first would start on Sunday, 18th October, 2025 at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
He explained that due to Bayelsa United’s NPFL tie against Kun Khalifat on Sunday, the fixture between Rivers Angels and Imo Strikers would be played at the Government House pitch, Onopa at 8:00am, stressing that Wednesday will witness a break.
