Bayelsa Pre-Season Tournament: Organisers Hold Laws of the Game Lecture for Teams

The organisers of the 2025 Bayelsa Pre-Season Football Tournament have staged a one-day lecture on the Laws of the Game for participating teams in Yenagoa.

The session, held on Wednesday at the Indoor Hall of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, was delivered by the Bayelsa State Referees’ Council. It brought together players and officials from Bayelsa United, Bendel Insurance, Warri Wolves, EGM FC and Kun Khalifat FC, with the aim of keeping them updated on the latest FIFA regulations.

Bendel Insurance coach, Greg Ikhenoba, described the programme as “highly educative,” stressing that it was crucial for players — the “key actors of the game” — to understand the evolving rules.

Bayelsa United head coach, Meremu Okara, also praised the initiative, calling it “timely” in light of frequent law changes. He suggested that fans too should be part of such exercises to reduce confusion and avoid unnecessary criticism of referees.

The chairman of the Bayelsa State Referees’ Association, Mr. Ebi Nwankwe, commended the organisers for providing the platform to learn and for donating warm-up kits and match jerseys to referees, noting that officials are often overlooked in such gestures.

Tournament coordinator, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe, said the lecture was necessary given FIFA’s frequent adjustments to the rules of football. He thanked Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and Sports Commissioner Daniel Baraladei Igali for their support in making the competition a reality.

Matchday Three action resumes on Thursday at the Samson Siasia Stadium. EGM FC will take on Bayelsa United U-20 in the opening fixture at 1pm, before Kun Khalifat face Bayelsa United in the second game at 3pm, with both matches decisive in the race for a semi-final spot.