‎Stop Uncomplimentary Comments Against Tournament, Organizers Tell Officials of Anyama FC

The organizers of the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Adionin Football Tournament in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, say their attention has been drawn to unhealthy comments by officials of Anyama FC, making the rounds in the social media, over the disqualification of both community teams from the competition.

‎The convener of the tournament, Mr Glory Igere popularly known as Citiboi, in a statement on behalf of the planning committee of the competition said the unguarded comments by officials of Anyama FC are worrisome and are capable of undermining the purpose of the competition in the kingdom.

‎Mr. Igere noted that ordinarily a response would not have been necessary but the image and reputation of the tournament needed to be protected, stating that what happened on the 11th of November, 2025 between Anyama FC and Young Boys of Anyama was a show of shame and display of crass unprofessionalism.

‎According to him, the tie between Anyama FC and Young Boys FC, both from Anyama town, which Anyama FC won by 22 nil ended in a manner that gravely undermined the credibility of the tournament, describing it as unacceptable.

‎‎He noted that both teams entered into a pre-arranged agreement to share the ₦100,000 prize for the tournament’s highest goal margin, with each team taking 50 percent. The arrangement resulted in Young Boys FC showing no intention to compete, as players were observed escorting the ball into the net.

‎‎Further findings by the planning committee of the tournament reveal that the Royal Highness of Anyama Community allegedly instructed Young Boys FC to refrain from competing with Anyama FC, additional pressure was said to have come from parents, chiefs, and respected community figures who advised Young Boys not to engage in the match despite possessing some of the best legs.

‎‎Mr. Igere, who doubles as the founder of Citiboi FC, explained that scoring 22 goals in a match was not impossible,  the manner in which the goals were conceded violated global standards and ‎sportsmanship in any tournament.

‎The planning committee also highlighted an example of the tie that took place the same day after the shameful Anyama incident when two teams from  Okodi community, Respect FC and Okodi FC, ended 5-4 on penalties, adding that the conduct from both teams was commendable and worth emulating, saying that such level of integrity was expected from all participating teams.

‎He added that the committee was committed to maintaining fairness and transparency in the competition, warning that any conduct capable of compromising the integrity of the tournament would be met with strict disciplinary action.