…as Egba, Ndiomu-Brown, Give Governor Diri and Organizers Thumbs Up…
The women’s edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the “Prosperity Cup” has kicked off with God’s Mercy City FC and Ezuogha Academy sending clear messages of intent to the rest of the pack.
In one of yesterday’s opening matches at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Ezougha Academy were so clinical and ruthless in their 8-nil demolition of Diamond Stars of Ayama-Ijaw in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The match commenced on an exciting note, but it was the Yenagoa based Ezuogha Academy that showcased their supremacy over their Southern Ijaw opponents.
Peculiar John found the back of the net four times, young and energetic midfielder, Princess Numulayefa bagged a hat-trick, while flying winger, Finine Doubrah’s solo effort completed the demolition exercise for Ezuogha Academy FC.
Earlier in the Female tournament’s curtain raiser at the same venue, God’s Mercy City FC humbled Federal University of Otuoke FC by three unreplied goals.
God’s Mercy City’s captain, Pere Richard was brought down in the box, following some skilful displays and centre referee, Rachael Onyekwere wasted no time in pointing to the spot.
Precious John stepped forward to send the goalkeeper of Federal University, Otuoke the wrong way to register her name in the scoresheet, while substitute Asumagha Judith buried the game just two minutes into the second half.
The tally would have increased if not for the heroics of goalkeeper Mitchell Edonkumoh, who put up some individual heroics to keep the scoreline low and respectable.
In a post match interview with sports writers, Coach of victorious Ezuogha Academy, Akren Beauty commended her girls for the determination throughout the encounter, noting that every game is important to them.
Despite the defeat, coach of Diamond Stars, Daniel Seimiesin said there are more positives take home in their defeat, pointing out that the competition has exposed the girls to better teams and playing turf, stating that the tournament would improve women’s football in the state.
According to him, their aim of participating in the competition was beyond winning trophy and the prize money but to consolidate on the dreams of the governor, Senator Douye Diri and the organizers of the tournament towards engaging the youths in the state positively.
In separate interviews, the member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba and the member representing Sagbama Constituency 3, Hon. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown gave thumbs up to the organizers of the showpiece.
Hon. Egba, who took the kick-off of the second match remarked that she was pleased with the inclusion of the women version in the tournament, pointing out that she is confident that national team players would emerge from the tournament.
Also, Hon. Ndiomu who described Bayelsa as the home of female football in the country, noting that the governor’s passion for the development of sports has given youths in the state an alternative means to flourish.
Action continues on Friday at the Kpansia centre as Igbogene Starlight welcome Akeddei Queens by 3.00p.m. while the second match of the day will see Police Machine FC go up against Jerry Queens at 4.30p.m.
