Igali Issues Firm Charge to Bayelsa United Ahead of NPFL Second Stanza
The Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Hon. Daniel Igali, has issued a firm directive to the Chairman and Management Board of Bayelsa United FC to immediately reset the club’s competitive objectives and deliver significantly improved results in the second stanza of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Hon. Igali delivered the charge during a closed-door meeting with the Chairman of the club, Tarelaye Nwakwe, and members of his management board on Wednesday at his office in Yenagoa, following what he described as an unacceptable first-half showing.
The Commissioner expressed deep dissatisfaction with the club’s current league position, noting that Bayelsa United are 15th on the NPFL table with 23 points, dangerously close to the relegation zone
Stating that the team’s inconsistency and the recent home defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors clearly fall short of expectations.
“We are already late in addressing our shortcomings. This is no longer a period for gradual adjustments. The second stanza must be approached with urgency, precision, and clear targets,” Igali stated.
He emphasized that the state government has made massive investments in football development and the welfare of Bayelsa United, and such commitment must now be matched by performance and results.
According to the Commissioner, the directive to the club is clear and non-negotiable, stressing Bayelsa United must move decisively into the top half of the NPFL table and mount a credible challenge for continental qualification places.
“Survival is not the objective. Our target is to finish in the top half of the league and compete for continental tickets. Anything less will not justify the level of support and resources committed to this club,” he said.
Hon. Igali further charged the board to be deliberate and uncompromising in the transfer window, insisting on quality recruitment that directly strengthens weak areas of the squad and aligns with the club’s competitive ambitions.
He also reaffirmed the Prosperity government’s continued backing of the team, citing sustained welfare support and logistical arrangements such as air travel for away fixtures, particularly to northern states, to ensure optimal performance.
The meeting was attended by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Menidin Nicolas Digha, as well as the Chairman of Bayelsa United FC, Tarelaye Nwakwe, members of the management board, and other football stakeholders.
