By Sam Jones
YENAGOA (Sundiata Post) – Sagbama Local Government Area have emerged winners of the first ever Citiboi Inter-Local Government Super League in Bayelsa State after a 1-1 draw with tournament favourites, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
A total of 10 teams participated in the eight-week league; they include a team from each of the eight local government areas of the state and two teams made up of non-indigenes living in Bayelsa State.
Already topping the league with 19 points, one point ahead of Southern Ijaw on 18 points, the Sagbama team went into the final day of the league knowing that a win or draw would see them through as champions while Southern Ijaw needed outright victory.
Both teams missed several scoring chances, until Kenneth Egemuze of Sagbama broke the deadlock some minutes into the second half heading in Opus Demeoru’s cross from close range.
With less than three minutes to go, Southern Ijaw equalised through their talisman, Oseke who tapped into the net after the Sagbama defence failed to deal with a free kick into the area.
Sagbama finished on 20 points while Southern Ijaw had 19 points and Ekeremor Local Government Area came third on the log followed by Nembe.
Oseke went home with the highest goalscorer’s award, Sagbama goalie was awarded the best goalkeeper while Timi of Southern Ijaw emerged as the most valuable player.
The trio going home with prize money of N50,000 each.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Collins Cocodia, lauded the organisers for using football as a tool for uniting communities and environs urging the people to join hands with the government in ensuring peace in the state.
Member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Oforji Oboku, former CAF Medical Committee Member, Dr. Peter Singabele and chairman, Bayelsa State Volunteers, Chief Lucky Asanakpo, in their goodwill messages, commended the sponsor, Mr. Joshua Igere Glory, popularly known as Citiboi for organising the tournament.
Also in attendance were the member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 at the House of Assembly, Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba and the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Gentle Emelah, among several government functionaries.
The sponsor, Mr. Joshua Igere Glory, in his remarks, thanked the dignitaries for honoring his invitation, saying the idea of the inter-local government super league was to engage youths in the state through sports and football in particular.
