The stage is set for the inaugural Governor Douye Diri Pre-season Football Tournament, kicking off on Monday, August 12th, 2024, at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa. The draws, held on Sunday, have grouped Bayelsa United, Sunshine Stars, Akwa United, and Abia Warriors in Group A, while Krusaders Selected FC, Bendel Insurance, Rivers United, and Kwara United make up Group B.
The tournament schedule includes:
- Monday, August 12th: Krusaders Selected FC vs. Bendel Insurance (8:30 am), Rivers United vs. Kwara United (morning session), Bayelsa United vs. Sunshine Stars (afternoon session, 2 pm), and Akwa United vs. Abia Warriors (afternoon session).
- Wednesday, August 14th: Abia Warriors vs. Bayelsa United (8:30 am), Sunshine Stars vs. Akwa United (10:30 am), Kwara United vs. Krusaders Selected (afternoon session, 2 pm), and Bendel Insurance vs. Rivers United (afternoon session, 4 pm).
- Friday, August 16th: Abia Warriors vs. Sunshine Stars (8:30 am), Akwa United vs. Bayelsa United (10:30 am), Kwara United vs. Bendel Insurance (afternoon session, 2 pm), and Rivers United vs. Krusaders Selected (afternoon session, 4 pm).
The top two teams from each group will compete in the finals on Sunday, August 18th, 2024, while the first runner-up teams will play for third place. The organizers have announced Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday as rest days.
Vice Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee, Mr. Perela Aboroson, assured that the draws were conducted without bias or sentiment. Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, commended the participating teams and announced the prize monies: ₦1.5 million for the first prize, ₦1 million for the second prize, and ₦500,000 for the third prize, with an additional ₦500,000 appearance fee for each team.
Representatives from participating teams, including Abia Warriors and Akwa United, expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for the tournament. Present at the draws and pre-match briefing were officials from Kwara United, Bendel Insurance, Akwa United, Krusaders Selected, and Bayelsa United.
