Reigning Aiteo champions Bayelsa United will on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa begin their Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL campaign against Dakkada Fc of Uyo.
The Prosperity Boys announced its return to the NPFL after seven years in the wilderness of Nigerian club football following a 2-0 victory over Cynosure Fc of Abakaliki last year having finished top of the group B2 of the National League NNL.
Both teams will face each other for the first time in the topflight football having faced themselves in the NNL then known as Akwa Starlet.
The Prosperity Boys are drawn in group B of the abridged league alongside, Wikki Tourist of Bauchi, Niger Tornadoes, newly promoted Doma United of Gombe, Sunshine Stars, Lobi Stars, Enugu Rangers, Abia Warriors and neighbors Rivers United who are the defending champions.
Dakkada Fc will hope to end Bayelsa United three years unbeaten record at home in all competition after dispatching Guinean side Ashanti Golden Boys 4-2 as well Tunisian giant CS Sfaxien
United will go into the tie with a fourteen games unbeaten in the Nigeria National League NNL a record that earn the Yenagoa based side a place in the first division.
Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Diepreye Teibowei in a pre match interview said the lads are prepared to face their group B opponent Dakkada Fc, pointing out that the target of the team is to secure the maximum point.
He noted that a win against Dakkada Fc would be morale boosters to the team, calling on the fans to come out in their numbers to support team.
Also, Bayelsa United captain, Gabriel Biriduba noted that there would be no hiding places for Dakkada Fc, saying that the team spirit is high having prepared well for the new season.
With the new season to run in an abridged format where all 20 teams are drawn into two groups of 10 and the top three from each, qualifying for a Super 6 playoff, Biriduba believes that starting the season well would define their success.
He noted that with the level of unity among the players they can face any side in the country.
