Bayelsa State government has issued a stern warning to Bayelsa United, threatening to disband the team if they are relegated at the end of the season. The state government, in an effort to address the club's ongoing poor performance, has given the coaching staff a two-match ultimatum to secure victories. Failure to do so will result in significant consequences, including the possible removal of the entire technical crew.
This tough stance was communicated by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali, during a meeting with the management and coaches of Bayelsa United in Yenagoa, the state capital. Igali emphasized that the team's consistent inability to win matches, despite receiving substantial financial support from the state government, was unacceptable. The government, he stated, could no longer stand by and watch the situation worsen without taking action.
The ultimatum will begin with two crucial matches—first against Rivers United in Port Harcourt and then against Katsina United. Igali made it clear that unless the team secures victories in both games, the entire technical staff would lose their jobs. Additionally, any player deemed unfit for the team would be removed and given the "marching orders." The commissioner’s message was clear: drastic changes are on the horizon if the team fails to turn things around.
Igali also highlighted that the state governor has been firm in his stance: if Bayelsa United is relegated to the lower division, the team will be disbanded. He urged the players and coaching staff to realize the gravity of the situation and step up their game in these two critical matches. "This team has only two games to get out of the position we are now," Igali said, warning that failure to perform would have severe consequences for both the technical staff and players.
The commissioner did not hold back in his criticism of Bayelsa United’s head coach, Ladan Bosso, particularly following his remarks in a post-match interview after the team’s loss to Enyimba at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Igali found Bosso’s comments to be disrespectful and inappropriate, especially given the financial support provided by the state government to the team. He described the coach’s statement as disheartening and disappointing, as it publicly criticized the very government funding the club.
In response to Bosso's comments, Igali instructed Dr. Tarilaye Nwankwe, the chairman of Bayelsa United, to take disciplinary action against the coach. Igali made it clear that such public criticism of the government would not be tolerated, deeming it unacceptable under the current Prosperity administration. He warned that failure to address the issue would result in government-imposed sanctions.
Looking ahead, Bayelsa United faces a tough set of fixtures in the coming weeks. Their next three matches include an away game against Rivers United, a home clash with Katsina United, and an away encounter with Shooting Stars. These games will be pivotal in determining the future of the team, and with the looming ultimatum, the pressure is on for Bayelsa United to secure crucial points and avoid relegation.
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