Bayelsa United will on Sunday begin their campaign in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL against Sunshine Stars of Akure in Ijebu- Ode, Sunshine Stars’ adopted home.
The Prosperity Boys as nicknamed will go into the tie with a lot of positives having emerged champions in the governor Douye Diri pre season tournament last month.
One of the positive thing in the camp of Bayelsa United is the appointment of Ladan Bosso, the appointment of the gaffer is like a tonic that has lifted the souls of every player in the team to give their very best.
Bayelsa United beat Bendel Insurance 7-6 on penalties after a one all draw to clinch the trophy in the eight team championship that was decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Last season, both sides shared the spoils in Yenagoa and Akure with Kennedy Boboye as Sunshine Stars gaffer while Meremu Okara was in the dog out for Bayelsa United.
Statistics indicate that the last two meetings in the league have been close. The Yenagoa based side have won one and drew two, Bayelsa United last league win against Sunshine Stars was on 30th of April, 2023 at the Samson Siasia Stadium from Gomo Onduku’s 89th minute goal under coach Diepreye Teibowei.
The Owena Waves’ only victory against Bayelsa United in recent time was the win in the governor Douye Diri pre season tournament in Yenagoa on the 11th of August, 2024 at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Bayelsa United during the transfer window made significant additions to the squad. Top on the list is U:20 captain, Daniel Bameyi from Yum Yum FC of Abuja, Hadi Mohammed joins from Akwa United and Prosperity Cup discoveries Akpokabowei Solomon and Godbless Akpos who joined from Eternal Grace Ministry EGM FC and Bendel Insurance.
Bayelsa United Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso in a pre-match interview, said he is knowledgeable about his opponent, that his team has improved after the defeat to Sunshine Stars during the pre season tourney.
Despite losing to Sunshine Stars in the governor Douye Diri pre season tournament, Bosso believes that the pressure would be more on the host who are playing in Ijebu-Ode, pointing out that the team is prepared to face Sunshine Stars.
He explained that all the players have been cleared and are battle ready for the game on Sunday, urging the fans and the people of the state not to relent in their support.
