The team who have already gained promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League with 49 points, 9 ahead of closest opponents, Gateway United in group B1 arrived in Bayelsa with brewed confidence and they were never disappointed to emerge as undeterred champions.

Bendel Insurance took the lead in the first half courtesy of Austin Ogunye’s header from Julius Emiloju’s fascinating cross in the 38th minute of the game.

The Benin Arsenal were equalled in the second half after a miscommunication in the 18-yard box.

Being the favourites going into the final match of the tournament having beaten the host, Bayelsa United 1-0 and drew El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 in the first and second matches retrospectively continued pressing their opponents harder and had a series of chances to get back into the lead.

Coach Monday Odigie tweaked his formation to scatter the defensive plan of a stubborn Doma United when he threw in Ebenezer Odeyemi into the fray of things – the energetic defender turned out to be a thorn in the flesh of the Savanna Tigers’ defence with constant runs and full attacks in the final third.

Divine Nwachukwu picked up a felicitous pass from Maurice Prince in the opponents’ half, sped through the left wing like a locomotive engine and crossed into the box to connect an advancing Ebenezer up – the strong forward didn’t miss his target as his fine jab went in straight to the back of the net to send the Benin Arsenal and supporters into a wild jubilation.

Insurance kept the lead with further attacks on their opponents to get security until the centre referee signalled the end of proceedings.

The programme which is aimed at sensitizing the newcomers into the top-flight started at about 10:00 a.m, and the representatives of the clubs (Bayelsa United, Bendel Insurance, Doma and El Kanemi Warriors) were put through various sessions of the CAF Club Licensing Regulations.

In his opening remarks the Head of Operations of the NPFL, Prince Davidson Owumi said: “I see you as investors in the league because you are co-owners of the product called Nigerian Professional Football League and there’s no better way to identify you.

“As I welcome you today’s history-making event, I encourage you to abide by all the requirements and criteria that the CAF Club Licensing Regulations have to offer.

“The administrative success of a club in the league is determined by the level of adherence and compliance to all the criteria involved in these regulations, where as, the failure of any club is also dependent on their inability to abide or comply to the criteria thereof.

“We all know that our league is at a point where the only thing we need is revival, and all hands must be on deck to ensure that the right things are done; that is the only way we can make progress as one and indivisible body.”

Speaking on behalf of the inductee clubs, the secretary of bendel insurance FC, Ihimekpen Charles, while appreciating the leadership of the NPFL, stated that: “There is no other route to a successful club administration outside the CAF Club Licensing Regulations.

“We are going back home to ensure that we start putting all that we have gotten here today into practice, so that at the end of the day we will not be found wanting in any area of the regulations, in terms of compliance.

Similarly, the Chairman of Doma FC, Suleiman Umar, in his reaction said as a proprietor, he has benefited what is needed to run a fully professional football side without Fear of the Unknown, adding that the CAF Club Licensing Regulations is a complete package as per club administration.

“We have truly gained what we need to run as a club without Fear of the Unknown because what we having taught here is firsthand in terms of professionalism; this induction course is actually a complete package.

“I am happy that this is happening at this time because we are going back to make sure that we put to practice what we got here, in order to make the necessary progress.”

Bayelsa United were stunned 2-3 at their backyard by Delta Force in a warm up game at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

The Yenogoa Stadium was light up with an early penalty awarded to the Restoration Boys which was nicely converted to a goal by Favour Martin’s but the jubilation was truncated by Ambassador power player, Eze Ekwutosin to stabilize the score line to a 1-1.

Favour Martin’s double for the host restore hope for the Yenogoa based side, but the well built youthful Eze Ekwutosin brace challenge was a enough to ensure the Delta Pride are equal to the task to a 2-2 score line ahead of the commencement of the most important league, the Nigeria National league, NNL.

When the quest for the former CAF Champion league side contender was exhausted even at the 83rd minutes, China Duruo superb kick forced the never say die fans of the Restoration Boys to give the Delta Ambassadors players a standing ovation even with an additional 10 minutes extra time of play.

Delta Force whose Nigeria Professional Football League,NPFL, slot was sold to Kwara United will hope to give any opponents a good run for the money in the NNL that is expected to kick off before the end of February 2021 if the league is not postpone because of the second phase of the covid-19.

Earlier Delta Force Defeated another NNL side Gidosky 2-1 at the Ogwashi Ukwu Township on Saturday to kick start their NNL preseason friendly games.

The next game between Delta Force against Excellent Football club who are expected to debute in the Nigeria Nationwide League One,NLO1 on Monday 25th January by 10am
At the Ughelli township Stadium has been called off following series of injury of the players of Delta Force.

The Parents of late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, Nigeria first ever female helicopter combat pilot graced the semi-final match of the Flying Officers Cup, which was renamed in honour of her memory.

The late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile contributed significantly to combat operations against insecurity on the northern states of Nigeria and was considered as a patriotic and fearless officer during her life time.

Mr and Mrs Akintunde Arotile were given a standing ovation as they made their way into the Guards Brigade Stadium, while Naija Ratels were battling with Nasarawa Amazons in one of the semifinal fixture on Saturday.

The couple’ will also join other dignitaries to attend the final of the Flying Officers Cup on sunday evening in Abuja where Nasarawa Amazons will face Bayelsa Queens in the final.

The General Manager of Kwara United FC Mr Bashir Badawiy, an Irah, Kwara State born football administrator has been rated high by football administrators in Nigeria following a successful Gov Wike Preseason Tournament held in Portharcourt, Rivers State.

Despite the challenges faced by sports including the shutdown occasioned by Covid19 and economic crises posed this year, Badawiy who is called the realist manager organized an exemplary Tournament in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria.

Preseason is a tournament meant for shaping up teams and make them battle ready when the league and other national and continental engagements commenced.

Rivers United emerged champions after beating Bayelsa United 4-3 on penalties in the final.

On this note, the former Team Coordinator at Rivers United was praised and commended as a result of his management skills and experience over the years for the successful tournament hosted by Rivers State Government.

Kadiri Ikanah:

The CAF Champions league winner and the former Super Falcons head coach said he’s very impressed with the organisation and happy with the level of professionalism put in the tournament.

Gbenga Ogunbote, Sunshine Stars FC head coach spoke high of the tournament.

“This tournament is a good way to get to know what exactly you have at your disposal. Seeing a non league side giving Rivers United a run for their money shows how the organisers has gone to making it worthy”

Davis Gabriel, the proprietor of the Ottasolo International took his team for the tournament and won the best team of the tournament with series of professionalism that shows in the team’s performance.

“The tournament gave our players the platform to participate with the best in the Nigeria League and of course helps to elevate the club and the players career.”

Tijani Babaginda:

The Olympic Gold medalist and the President of National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers was amazed with the level of organisations and also to show support for players playing in the local league.

“We are working hard to make sure the players get better welfare and also the good news is that we are now one but I must commend the organisers especially Bashir Badawiy and his team”

Boma Iyaye:

The Commissioner of Sports and Youths Development Hon. Boma Iyaye said he was very satisfied with the tournament and also gave kudos to the former Rivers United team coordinator Mr Bashir Badawiy and his team.

Hon Honour Sirawo:

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry of Youths and Sports Development who doubles as the President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN)

Hon. Sirawo gave his remarks that the game was very competitive and applauded of fair play being displayed throughout the tournament. He concluded by appreciating the Coordinator of the tournament and his team.

Alloy Chukwuemeka:

The Secretary of Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL Club Owners praised Bashir Badawiy and his team for a job well done as regards the organisation of the tournament.

Christian Mizo silenced the home fans at Sharks Stadium with the curtain raiser on Sunday.

Substitute Chika Godwin weaved past his man and sent the ball to the roof for the equaliser to send the home fans into frenzy.

The full time score stood at 1-1 even as both teams tried to outwit themselves while trying to take their chances during the game.

The Pride of Rivers had the better of the game as they dominated play in the first half missing several scoring chances.

Cletus Emotan was the star man of the game as his dribbling skills was a delight to close to 3000 fans that watched the epic final.

Bayelsa also created chances of their own but the Pride of Rivers’ backline was solid.

Both teams then had to decide their fate via penalties after the referee signaled end of the game at 1-1.

The end result saw the Stanley Eguma managed team winning 5-4 on shoot out, then claiming the trophy of the 2nd edition of the Governor Wike Pre-Season Tournament.

Bayelsa United forward Okardi Inukurogha was named at the most valuable player of the tournament, with MFM’s Clement Ogwu picking up the top scorer’s award with three goals.

Former Kano Pillars skipper, Theophilus Afelokhai, who scored the winning penalty kick for Rivers United was named as the best goalkeeper.

Giant killers Ottasolo International FC were named as the best team of the Tournament.

The Pride of Rivers walloped MFM FC 3-0 in the second semi-final which was decided at Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Midfielder Godwin Aguda gave the Port Harcourt side the lead in the 15th minute scoring from close range.

Bobby Clement latched on to Konan Rufin’s cross to score the second goal of the match as Rivers went on rampage.

Rivers United really deserved to win the game as they were dominant.

Goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai stepped up and scored from the penalty spot as the Stanley Eguma managed side ran out with a 3-0 win.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa United also booked their place in the final with a well deserved 2-0 win over Lobi Stars earlier in the day.

The Sharks Stadium will host the final on Sunday November 15, 2020.