From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Nasarawa Amazons have emerged champions of the inaugural edition of Governor Douye Diri Female Pre-season Football Tournament after one week of scintillating football amongst 10 Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL teams.
Ten teams took part in the Governor Douye Diri Female Pre-season Football Tournament which is aimed at preparing the various NWFL teams for the new season slated for next month.
Nasarawa Amazons beat host Bayelsa Queens 6-5 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa with Joy Igbokwe of Nasarawa Amazons crowned the best player of the tournament.
Edo Queens in the losers final humbled Bayelsa Princesses two nil to lift the third position trophy having lost 5-3 on penalties to Bayelsa Queens in the semi finals while Bayelsa Princesses were defeated by champions Nasarawa Amazons by a lone goal.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Pastor Robin Apreala who doubles as Chairman of Bayelsa Queens in his remark, said the tournament was not about winning but an avenue to sharpen the team, describing all the participants as winners.
While appreciating the Almighty God for a successful tournament, the clergyman lauded the governor, Senator Douye Diri, the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali for funding the tournament.
Also, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu in an address remarked that he was pleased with the progress of Nasarawa Amazons, maintaining that the current squad is better than last season and that the players in this squad are young and dedicated players who are ready to give their all.
According to him, the secret behind both male and female team’s success story was the governor’s unwavering commitment towards the development of sports, expressing confidence that Nasarawa Amazons would contend for the league title this season due to its preparedness.
He commended the Bayelsa Government for assembling the best of female teams in the country for the tournament, stating that the competition has exposed their weaknesses going into the new season.
