Category: NEWS CORNER

Stakeholders Hail Gov Diri

Nasarawa Amazons retained their title at the 2nd Governor Douye Diri Women Pre-Season Football Tournament, defeating Delta Queens 1-0 in the final at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

The week-long tournament ended on a high note, with stakeholders commending Governor Douye Diri for sponsoring what is now regarded as the biggest women’s pre-season tournament in Nigeria.

Chairman Bayelsa Queens FC, Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala, said the second edition was better organised than the maiden edition and thanked Governor Douye Diri, for sponsoring the week-long event, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Pereotubo Akpe for making sure funds are released, Commissioner for Sports development, Dr. Baraladei Daniel Igali for standing firm with all the teams and hosting them to a dinner after the competition.

Pastor Apreala also thanked the State FA and the Referees Council for fair officiating and assured that lessons learnt would make the third edition bigger and better.

According to Pastor Apreala, Bayelsa Queens made its best recruitments in years under Technical Adviser, Wemimo Matthew, a CAF A licensed coach and CAF Instructor, and Chief Coach Mario.

Pastor Apreala said some injured players like Chiamaka Ezekwugo, Kindness Ifeanyi and Ambless Ogbonaya, as well as three players currently at the U-17 World Cup in Morocco, will soon return to the team, promising fans that the Prosperity Girls will challenge for the title in the new 30-game NWFL format.

The Bayelsa Queens Chairman said pre-season tournaments are for teams to experiment and assess their level of preparedness and that all 10 teams showed top quality and are good to go for the 2026/2027 NWFL season.

Delta Queens Coach, Seyi Stanley Osaze, said he was very pleased with the tournament and thanked Governor Douye Diri and the organisers saying the tournament served its purpose and added that the Governor should keep the good work of hosting the pre-season football tournament.

Bayelsa Queens Held to Goalless Draw by Delta Queens

Bayelsa Queens were held to a 0-0 draw by Delta Queens in their second game at the ongoing 2nd edition of the Governor Douye Diri Women’s pre-season football tournament at the Samson Siasia Stadium on Monday.

The stalemate at the Samson Siasia followed one win one draw for Bayelsa Queens while Delta Queens have one win and two draws.

Despite the urgency, neither side was able to find a breakthrough in a contest dominated by caution rather than attacking flair.

The Prosperity Girls, buoyed by home support, made early attempts to control the game through quick transitions and balls into their opponent area.

Bayelsa Queens gradually grew into the game as the first half progressed and enjoyed sustained periods of possession, but their final delivery lacked precision to end the first half goalless.

The second half saw a continuation of the pattern, with Bayelsa Queens pressing for a crucial win while Delta Queens sought to exploit counter-attacking spaces. Clear chances remained limited, and as the match approached its closing stages, both teams appeared content to secure a point rather than risk defeat.

Bayelsa Queens produced a disciplined defensive performance to frustrate their opponent. Both teams created opportunities, but neither was able to convert their chances into a goal.

The point is a useful one for the Prosperity Girls, who are 3rd on the table with four points from two matches played while Delta Queens climbed to the summit of Group A with 5 points from three matches.

The Prosperity Girls had entered the fixture in strong form following recent victory against Imo Strikers in the opening day fixture, but they were unable to break down a compact Delta Queens defence. The goalless outcome highlights the competitive nature of the 2nd edition of the Governor Douye Diri Women’s pre-season football tournament.

Bayelsa Queens will next face Edo Queens as they look to return to winning ways, while Delta Queens will take on C2E Sports Academy.

Bayelsa Queens Begin Governor Diri Pre-Season Campaign with Convincing Win

Bayelsa Queens FC made a strong start to their campaign at the second edition of the Governor Douye Diri Women’s Pre-Season Football Tournament, defeating Imo Striker 2–0 in their opening Group A encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, on Friday.

The Prosperity Girls showed good attacking intent from the start and were rewarded just before the break when substitutes Alaba Olabiyi found the back of the net in the 45th minute to give Bayelsa Queens a one goal lead at halftime.

Bayelsa Queens continued from where they stopped after the restart, with Ramata Kareem doubling the advantage in the 52nd minute. The two-goal cushion was enough to secure all three points for the home side and provide a positive opening to their pre-season campaign.

Technical Adviser Bayelsa Queens, Wemimo Matthew said the victory is a testament to the countless hours of practice, the camaraderie among the team, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence and told her players to keep aiming for the stars.

“It’s still a building process as a lot of work needs to be done, but, I must say with what I saw my players did today, it can inspire us to reach even greater heights,” coach Wemimo said.

“We knew our team had the potential, and you’ve proven it once again. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to shine as the pre-season football tournament continues,” coach Wemimi Matthew added.

In the other Group A fixture at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Delta Queens and Edo Queens played out a goalless draw, leaving Bayelsa Queens with an early advantage in the group standings.

Meanwhile, in Group B at the Polo Club Pitch, Onopa, defending champions of the Governor Douye Diri Women pre-season football tournament Nasarawa Amazons suffered a one-nil loss to Ahudiyannem Queens, while Remo Stars Ladies and Rivers Angels settled for a goalless draw in the second encounter.

With their opening victory secured, attention now turns to Bayelsa Queens’ next Group A assignment as the Prosperity Girls look to build on their winning start and make a strong push in the Governor Douye Diri Women’s Pre-Season Football Tournament.

Prosperity Girls wishes it’s Chairman well

Technical Adviser Bayelsa Queens Football Club has on behalf of the technical crew, players and backroom staff congratulated Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala and and his wife Pastor Mrs. Jean Robin Angonimi Apreala, as they celebrate 33 years of their wedding anniversary.

 

“As a leader, you display passion and dedication in your quest for the growth and development of Bayelsa Queens,” Coach Wemimo Matthew said.

 

According to Coach Wemimo, after so many years, their love for each other keeps growing stronger than ever before.

 

She said staying in love with the same person for so many years is not an easy task, but, Pastor and Pastor Mrs. Jean Robin Angonimi Apreala did it.

 

Coach Wemimo Matthew said Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala and Pastor Mrs. Jean Robin Angonimi Apreala, has given real and beautiful meaning to the wonderful relationship called marriage and pray that their union knows no sorrow and their love no boundaries.

 

“No one is really perfect, yet you two are a perfect match and we’re glad you found each other”.

 

“We wish you greater strides and accomplishments as you celebrate and pray that God grants you wisdom and divine health in your efforts to improve the lot of Bayelsa Queens FC and build a better society,” Coach Wemimo Matthew added.

 

Happy Anniversary 33 years of togetherness Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala and Pastor Mrs. Jean Robin Angonimi Apreala.

Bayelsa Queens Felicitates Coach Wemimo Matthew

The Chairman Bayelsa Queens Football Club, Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala has on behalf of the entire team, felicitates with Technical Adviser of the team, Wemimo Matthew, on the special occasion of her well-deserved recognition for her immense contribution to the growth of women’s football in Nigeria (Ondo State Sports Icon), by the Ondo State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

According to Pastor Apreala, Wemimo’s dedication to service, humility, patriotism, and visionary leadership has continue to inspire confidence in the camp of Bayelsa Queens FC.

“We are confident that your vast experience, your tactical and purposeful coaching will continue to drive the progress and stability needed in our team”, Pastor Apreala said.

“This fitting recognition of your unwavering commitment and selfless service to women’s football is worthy of commendation”.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the profound impact you’ve had on the team despite this short period with us. Your tactical ability means the world to Bayelsa Queens football club”.

Accept our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on this memorable occasion, Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala added.

Why Bayelsa Queens lost to Rivers Angels – Wemimo

Bayelsa Queens Technical Adviser, Wemimo Matthew, has blamed missed chances for her team’s defeat to Rivers Angels.

Rivers Angels defeated Bayelsa Queens 3-2 in a friendly game at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port-Harcourt on Monday.

Grace Salisu opened the scoring for Rivers Angels in the 18th minute while Ayo Arowokeye made it two in 35 minutes to end the first half in their favour.

On resumption in the second half, the Prosperity Girls upped their game and scored in the 59 minutes through Sofiat Bankole and Emmanuella Alamezieibe made it 2-2 in the 71st minute.

When all thought it would end in a draw, the decisive goal came in the 90th minute through Peace Effiong, whose strike secured the win for Rivers Angels.

“Sometimes football is cruel, the girls failed to deliver despite their efforts,” Wemimo Matthew stated.

“It’s a bad day for us as the strikers had enough chances but they couldn’t deliver.”

“Despite the loss, we played better in the second half, and the girls showed real grit, and I’m so proud of them, but I know the team will come out good before the league starts,” Wemimo Matthew added.

Bayelsa Queens to make amend after defeat to Ahudiyannem Queens

Bayelsa Queens FC of Yenagoa have promised to make amends after losing to Ahudiyannem Queens in a friendly match.

The coach Wemimo Matthew-led Bayelsa Queens lost 1-0 to their host Ahudiyannem Queens through a late goal scored by Mercy Idoko in the 91st minute on Saturday.

With the game poised for a draw, Mercy Idoko struck a stoppage-time winner to seal the win for the girls from Abiriba.

After the match Technical Adviser Bayelsa Queens FC, Wemimo Matthew, said her girls did well and that she has seen the strength and weakness of the team and will definitely work on it and she confident they can make amends before the season starts.

“We have put behind us the defeat to Ahudiyannem Queens as you know it’s just a friendly match and our focus now is on the Governor Douye Diri Women Pre-Season Tournament in Yenagoa starting from the 2nd of October, 2026,” Coach Wemimo said.

“We still have work to do and this friendly has exposed some loopholes which we have to work on before the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) begins,”.

“We are here to expose our errors and go back to the drawing board ahead of the league season,” Coach Wemimo Matthew added.

Bayelsa Queens and Ahudiyannem Queens have met four times with 10 days, with the Prosperity Girls winning two at home, drew one and lost one in Abiriba, in Abia State.

12 clubs for 2026 Governor Diri pre-season tournament

Twelve clubs have confirmed their participation in this year’s Governor Douye Diri Women’s pre-season football tournament.

The 2026 edition of the competition will kick off on Friday, October 2 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

According to the statement by the Chairman Bayelsa Queens, Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala, the 12 teams made up of NWFL Premiership and one from the NWFL Nationwide League clubs in the country have expressed readiness to tread tackles in the pre-season competition.

Pastor Apreala also confirmed that the Yenagoa based club, Bayelsa Queens is on ground to welcome the remaining 11 clubs.

The teams are expected to arrive in Yenagoa latest Thursday, October 1.

Meanwhile, the draws for the highly-anticipated competition will be held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Onopa, behind Government House, Yenagoa, by 7 O’clock in the evening.

Opening Matches will start on the 2nd, the 3rd place match and final is billed for the 10th of October, while departure is on the 11th of October, 2026.

Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala assured that everything has been put in place for them to have a memorable experience in Yenagoa.

Bayelsa Queens FC Congratulates Edo Queens

Chairman Bayelsa Queens Football Club Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala, has on behalf of the management, technical crew, players and backroom staff congratulate Edo Queens FC for their outstanding performance and victory at the WAFU-B CAF Women’s Football League qualifying tournament in Burkina-Faso.

‘Edo Queens hard work, dedication, and teamwork have paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of their performance,’ Pastor Apreala said.

Your resilience and determination were on full display, and the result speaks for itself. You’ve made all Nigerians proud, and we also wish Edo Queens FC success in the CAF Women Champions League proper.

According to Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala, the victory of Edo Queens is a testament to the countless hours of practice, the camaraderie among the team, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Pastor Apreala said it is not just a win; it’s a statement of the team’s prowess and dedication and pray that the victory inspire them to reach even greater heights.

‘Winning is a result of the hard work and unity of a team. You’ve shown that in every game, and this victory is a testament to your collective efforts’.

The Bayelsa Queens Chairman said Edo Queens victory has not only brought glory to their team, but also to the entire Country and most especially the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership, headed by the Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O) Ms Modupe Shabi.

‘Congratulations Edo Queens on a fantastic win! Your tireless efforts and teamwork have paid off, and we’re all thrilled with your success’ Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala added.

Bayelsa Gov Receives Cadet Pilot

The Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has received an indigenous cadet pilot who recently graduated from the International Aviation College in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Receiving the young cadet pilot accompanied by his parents, Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala (Chairman Bayelsa Queens FC) and Pastor Mrs Jean Robin Apreala, after the weekly prosperity walk at the Samson Siasia Stadium, in Yenagoa, Governor Diri expressed delight at the successful graduation of the 25-year-old Dominion Oyindenyefa Apreala, and described him as an asset to the State.

The Governor commended the aviation professional for showing diligence in his career paths, assuring him of more opportunities in the sector that would lift him to greater heights.

“I am very proud of you. And, to know that you are a Bayelsan gives me greater joy. So, I would like to welcome you back on behalf of the Government and people of the State from your training as pilot,” he said.

According to Governor Douye Diri, Dominion’s success marks a powerful testament to discipline, resilience, and focus, and it positions him as a beacon of inspiration to young Bayelsans with global dreams and encouraged Bayelsa youths to emulate the young pilot.

For Dominion Apreala, he said becoming a pilot has always been his childhood dream, and today he is proud to say he is living that dream and enjoying every step of the journey.

‘It has been an incredible experience filled with hard work, discipline, and passion. I hope my story inspires other youths to chase their dreams with determination and never give up on what they believe,” Dominion Apreala added.