Bayelsa Starlets have dedicated its victory over Utility FC, Lagos in the opening match of SPOCS Scouting Tourney at Remo Township stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State to Governor Douye Diri.
The tension soaked match which was watched by a capacity crowd saw the Starlets seizing control from the blast of the whistle.
The Starlets, operating from both wings, forced the Utility boys to play the better part of the match in their half but launched sporadic counter attacks.
The Ikenne fans were forced to shift their allegiance to the Starlets following their display of soccer artistry.
The Utility boys could not hold the goal hungry Prosperity boys as Benjamin Precious scored the curtain raiser and the only goal of the match for the Creek Boys.
The Utility FC had their goalkeeper to thank as the match could have ended with a harvest of goals in favour of the Prosperity Boys but for the shot stopper who made a couple of superlative saves to keep the scoreline close.
In another match played, Dream FA Bayelsa came from behind to record a three all draw against Sportyn FC of Lagos.
The Sportyn FC was leading with 2 goals before Dream boys’ pilled pressure to level up the score line.
The match later became a ding ding affair but Sportyn FC again took the lead before the Dream FC equalized with the last kick of the match.
Opukeme inifieladei, Abuchi Uwandu were the scorers for Dream Team with Pere Ebiwari scoring the 3rd goal just before the last blast of the whistle.
In a post match interview, the Director General of the Club, Mr. Ono Akpe thanked Governor Douye Diri, his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewheujakpo and the state Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali as well as the coaches for their unflinching support for the team.
He said the support the teams are getting is unprecedented in the sporting history of Bayelsa.
He disclosed that both teams were products of the last Governor’s Cup which ended in July 2023 and where a total of 100 players were selected from the tournament, screened and have been in camp since July, preparing for this tournament and others.
The number was further screened to 34 players representing the two teams. The Dreams FA won the Douye Diri Invitational Tournament which was held in Yenagoa in September while Bayelsa Starlets were the runners up . The Prosperity Boys are coached by Lawrence Alabrah and Ada Gwegwe while Dreams FA is mentored by Kenneth Opukeme and Olayinka Nasiru.
Both teams were sponsored for this tournament in an attempt to create an avenue for the youths of Bayelsa to showcase their skills. The Bayelsa Starlets are also billed for other International Tournaments before the end of the year within and outside Nigeria.
Akpe, who assured the Bayelsa government of successful outings in the various tournaments lined up for them, disclosed that no fewer than eight players from both teams have caught the attention of the international scouts and agents.
“The boys would do Bayelsa proud. I have no doubt about it in my mind and that has manifested today on the field of play. The boys are all dedicated, committed, excited and grateful for these opportunities the Governor has provided right from the Prosperity Cup till date,” Mr Akpe added.
SPOCS is one of the topmost sports management agencies in the world. The agencies have, in its record, the likes of Liverpool star player, Mohammed Salah, AbdulRaman Baba of Chelsea, and Mohammed Elneny of Arsenal.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNEÂ