By Hananeel Jackson
History was made in Nigeria football yesterday as two Bayelsa State-owned Football clubs, Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens emerged champions of the 2021 male and female Aiteo Cup.
Bayelsa United playing at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State Sunday evening defeated Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL campaigners, Nasarawa United 4-3 on penalties to emerge champions of the 2021 male Aiteo Cup when the match ended 2-goals apiece after regulation time.
Okardi Inikurogha scored the opening goal in the first half but the Solid Miners restored parity before the halftime mark through Chinedu Ohanachom.
Nasarawa United however went ahead in the second half; courtesy of Aliyu’s goal before Emo James’ goal to drag the encounter into a penalty shootout.
In the ensuing spot-kick, Bayelsa United Scored four while Nasarawa United scored 3 to concede defeat.
Earlier in the day at the same stadium, Bayelsa Queens thrashed Lagos State FC Robo 4-2 to win their first-ever Aiteo/FA Cup.
By their respective victories, Bayelsa United will pocket home N25 million while Bayelsa Queens will be richer with N10 million.
Bayelsa United will represent the country in the 2022 CAF Confederation Cup.
In a post-match interview, the technical Adviser of Bayelsa United; Diepreye Teibowei lauded the players for their resilient spirit, pointing out that he was optimistic for victory despite relinquishing the lead in the first half.
Teibowei said the introduction of the second goalkeeper was strategic for his side, having worked against Gateway United, describing Nasarawa United as a good side.
Also, talisman Okardi Inikurogha appreciated the almighty God for victory, saying that he was excited to get his first trophy, adding that his dream was to keeping scoring.
Chairman, Bayelsa United Ebiki Timitimi while thanking the Bayelsa State government for their continuous support, said he was happy that the majority of the players are Bayelsa-born talents, stressing that the victory was not a surprise to him following the Prosperity Boys display against other NPFL sides.
Timitimi also thanked the media for their immense support for the club to achieve its objectives.
