By SHEDRACK FRANK

?A total of ten female teams began competition for honours in the maiden Gov. Douye Diri All-Female Pre-Season Football Tournament in Yenagoa, from Oct. 19 to Oct. 25.

The ten teams, comprising eight NWFL sides and two non-league clubs, will use the competition to test their strength ahead of the new season later this month.

According to the draws released on Sunday, the competition will feature two groups, “A” and “B”, with five teams in each category.

Group A includes hosts Bayelsa Queens of Yenagoa, Delta Queens FC, Rivers Angels FC, Imo Strikers FC and Nasarawa Amazons. Group B has Bayelsa Princesses FC, FC Robo, Abia Angels FC, Edo Queens FC and Heartland Queens FC of Owerri.

Matchday one will see Bayelsa Princesses face FC Robo at 10:00 a.m., while Abia Angels meet Edo Queens at noon, both at the Government House pitch. Heartland Queens are drawn bye.

Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt will battle Imo Strikers at 8:00 a.m. at the Government House pitch, while hosts Bayelsa Queens take on Delta Queens at 8:00 a.m. at the Samson Siasia Stadium in the star fixture.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of Bayelsa Queens and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr Robin Apreala, assured all teams of fairness throughout the competition.

He urged referees to maintain professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of their duties during matchdays.

Apreala said the tournament was designed to help Nigeria Women’s Premier Football League teams prepare adequately for the forthcoming season.

He noted that the number of participating teams reflected the wide acceptance and importance of the new competition.

Apreala commended Gov. Douye Diri, his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Daniel Igali, for hosting the event in Yenagoa.

He said’their support demonstrated a strong commitment to developing women’s football and preparing Bayelsa teams for the new NWFL campaign.

Also speaking, the Director of the Tournament, Mr Diseye Nwankwe, said the ten teams would compete in two groups, confirming that matches would begin on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

He added that due to Bayelsa United’s NPFL fixture against Kun Khalifat on Sunday, the Rivers Angels versus Imo Strikers match would be played at the Government House pitch, Onopa, at 8:00 a.m.

Nwankwe also disclosed that the competition would observe a break on Wednesday before resuming for the concluding group matches. (NAN)