Diri Constitutes Interim Board To Revive Bayelsa United

The Bayelsa State Government has appointed a five-member interim board to oversee Bayelsa United Football Club following the team’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Governor Douye Diri dissolved the previous board two weeks ago after the club dropped to the second tier at the end of the 2025/2026 season. The decision was taken during a State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa.

On Thursday, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe announced the new interim board during the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Stadium. He explained that the committee’s immediate mandate is to secure Bayelsa United’s return to the NPFL within six months.

“The task is to bring Bayelsa United out of relegation and back to the Premiership, which is the rightful position of the club,” Akpe stated, stressing that the government would not allow the team to languish in the lower division.

The interim board includes seasoned football administrator Dr. Peter Singabele, former Director of Sports Sir Braveman Wodi, Prosperity Cup Director-General Ono Akpe, Godson Ekarde, and Ken Ekpolaemi Odogu, who will serve as secretary.

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Akpe urged football stakeholders across Bayelsa to support the interim board, noting that collective effort is required to restore the club’s pride. He emphasised that Bayelsa United, as a government-owned team, represents the state’s identity in national football and must regain its place in the top flight.

Bayelsa United’s relegation has been a major talking point among fans and analysts. The club, which won the Federation Cup in 2009, has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. Supporters have expressed frustration over poor management and inadequate investment, factors many believe contributed to the team’s decline.

The appointment of the interim board is seen as a corrective measure aimed at stabilising the club. With experienced administrators and sports managers on the committee, expectations are high that Bayelsa United can rebuild quickly.

Observers note that the six-month timeline is ambitious, given the competitive nature of the Nigeria National League. However, the government’s direct involvement signals strong political will to revive the club.

Football analysts argue that beyond administrative restructuring, Bayelsa United must invest in player recruitment, coaching, and infrastructure. They stress that returning to the NPFL requires not only managerial competence but also technical quality on the pitch.

Fans in Yenagoa have welcomed the move, describing it as a step in the right direction. Many believe that with proper support, Bayelsa United can bounce back and reclaim its status as one of the state’s leading sports institutions.

The interim board’s success will depend on its ability to balance short-term results with long-term planning. While the immediate goal is promotion, stakeholders insist that sustainable structures must be put in place to prevent future relegations.

As the new board begins work, attention will turn to how quickly Bayelsa United can regroup and challenge for promotion. For Governor Diri, the decision reflects his administration’s broader commitment to sports development and youth engagement in Bayelsa State.