Goodluck Angel of Bayelsa State produced an outstanding performance in the ongoing South-South Zonal U-17 National team screening in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The Bayelsa contingent led by Prosperity Cup Tournament Director, Mr. Perela Aboro, two coaches, Ada Gwegwe and Richard Bubugha, as well as Grace Obiene, a medical assistant who arrived Uyo on Sunday for the trials currently taking place at the Ibom Township Stadium.
Bayelsa Starlets were held to a goalless draw in their first match against Golden Friends with Goodluck Angel’s performance, getting the attention of spectators and scouts who came out to witness the exercise.
Goodluck Angel’s performance earned him a gift of a pair of boots from a renowned FIFA match agent, Paul Ojo Omamomo, who was pleased with the performance of the entire team, particularly Goodluck Angel
The youthful Bayelsa side in the second fixture decided on Tuesday, 1st July, 2025 also played out a barren draw against Campus Football Academy of Owerri, Imo State, an outing that has continued to elicit positive reactions from football enthusiasts.
Speaking on the performance of the players, leader of delegation and Tournament Director, Mr. Perela Aboro said the outing has exposed the lads to what they intend to face in the future, stating that the U-17 trials have equally boosted the confidence of the players.
He noted that the players showcased themselves despite the short notice and expressed confidence that the lads would excel to become super stars in the future.
Also, coach Ada Gwegwe hinted that the team showed great potential with a mix of talent, enthusiasm, and teamwork, pointing out that the trials have been beneficial to the kids to help them develop their skills.
According to him, beyond the exposure, the experience has further boosted their self-esteem and prepared them for future challenges, stressing that scouts and U-17 National team coach, Manu Garaba, were very impressed with the performance of the young lads in both games and have penciled some down already.
He explained that Goodluck Angel was presented with a pair of boots by FIFA Agent and Tournament Coordinator Paul Ojo as a result of his performance, maintaining that he is proud of the boys despite training for barely three days before the trip to Uyo.
The gaffer appreciated the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, Chief Aprela, Chairman Bayelsa Queens, and the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono K. Akpe, for the immense support to see that the trip to Uyo becomes a reality.
His Words, “For me, the team showed great potential, with a mix of talent, enthusiasm, and teamwork. The trials have been beneficial to the kids, helping them develop skills, build confidence, and learn valuable lessons about sportsmanship and perseverance.”
“Beyond the exposure, the experience has likely boosted their self-esteem and prepared them for future challenges, and possible National team call up and U-17 team coaches led by Manu Garaba, were very impressed with the performance of our young lads in both games they featured. ” Gwegwe stated.
