The maiden edition of the Governor Douye Diri All-Female Pre-Season Football Tournament kicked off on Sunday in Yenagoa, drawing 10 competitive women’s football teams from across the country.
The week-long tournament, scheduled to run from October 19 to October 25, is set to showcase some of Nigeria’s finest female football talents as they prepare for the upcoming Nigeria Women’s Premier Football League (NWFL) season.
Among the participating sides are eight established NWFL clubs alongside two non-league teams, all eager to use the tournament as a platform to sharpen their skills and build cohesion ahead of the official league campaign.
According to the official draw released prior to the event, the teams were divided into two groups of five, named Group A and Group B.
Group A features host team Bayelsa Queens alongside Delta Queens FC, Rivers Angels FC, Imo Strikers FC, and Nasarawa Amazons.
Meanwhile, Group B is comprised of Bayelsa Princesses FC, FC Robo, Abia Angels FC, Edo Queens FC, and Heartland Queens FC from Owerri.
The opening day schedule saw Bayelsa Princesses clash with FC Robo at 10 a.m. on the Government House pitch, followed by Abia Angels facing Edo Queens at noon on the same venue.
Heartland Queens received a bye for the first matchday.
Earlier, in Group A fixtures, Rivers Angels met Imo Strikers at 8 a.m. on the Government House pitch, while the hosts, Bayelsa Queens, played against Delta Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium in what was billed as the day’s headline match, also at 8 a.m.
Mr. Robin Apreala, Chairman of Bayelsa Queens and the Local Organising Committee, addressed the teams and officials before the tournament commenced, emphasising the importance of fairness and professionalism.
He called on referees to uphold impartiality throughout the competition, underscoring that the tournament aims to provide NWFL teams with a competitive environment to prepare adequately for the season ahead.
Highlighting the significance of the tournament, Mr. Apreala noted the impressive number of teams involved as a testament to the growing recognition and support for women’s football in Nigeria.
He also praised Governor Douye Diri, his deputy Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr. Daniel Igali, for their unwavering support and commitment to advancing women’s football in Bayelsa State and beyond.
Tournament Director, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe, provided additional details, confirming the schedule and venues for the group matches.
He explained that due to a scheduling conflict involving Bayelsa United’s Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture against Kun Khalifat, the Rivers Angels versus Imo Strikers game was moved to the Government House pitch at Onopa.
Nwankwe also revealed that the tournament would observe a mid-week break on Wednesday to allow teams to rest before resuming the final group stage matches.
The tournament is seen as a critical stepping stone for the participating teams as they seek to fine-tune their strategies, scout emerging talents, and build momentum ahead of the highly anticipated NWFL season, expected to commence later this month.
With strong backing from the state government and sports authorities, the inaugural Governor Douye Diri All-Female Pre-Season Football Tournament not only promises thrilling football action but also reinforces the commitment to nurturing and promoting female football talent across Nigeria.
