Daniel Igali promises Nigeria Premier League sustenance for Bayelsa United

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Daniel Igali, the Commissioner of Sports in Bayelsa State and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, has expressed optimism about Bayelsa United’s future in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after securing their league status for the upcoming season with a crucial 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance.

Despite Bayelsa United’s recent struggles in avoiding relegation for two consecutive seasons, Igali is confident that the team will not face similar challenges in the future.

He attributed their survival to hard work and the steadfast support from the state government, particularly acknowledging Governor Duoye Diri and the Deputy Governor.

Looking ahead, Igali emphasized the need for Bayelsa United to rise above the relegation battles and position themselves as a competitive force in Nigerian football.

He stressed the importance of attracting private sponsorship for clubs and the league itself, believing that diversifying financial support beyond state funding will elevate the league’s stature and competitiveness.

Igali’s vision extends to transforming the NPFL into one of Africa’s premier leagues, advocating for increased corporate involvement and expanding the fan base to enhance the league’s appeal and commercial viability.

This approach, he believes, will not only benefit Bayelsa United but also contribute to the overall development and prestige of Nigerian football.

Historically, Bayelsa United and their women’s team, Bayelsa Queens, have achieved significant milestones, including winning the President Federation Cup in 2021 shortly after gaining promotion to the NPFL, highlighting the potential and ambitions within Bayelsa’s football community under Igali’s leadership.