Substitute Bina Tombiri 75 minute header gave Aiteo Cup Champions Bayelsa United a deserved 1-0 victory over neighbors Warri Wolves in a match day 22 fixture of the Southern conference in group B2 of the Nigeria National League, NNL decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
In what could be described as South South derby experienced technical adviser of Bayelsa United Diepreye Teibowei named an unchanged starting line from the team that held Fc One Rocket to a goalless draw last week.
Veteran midfielder Bina Tombiri scored the the only goal for the make or mar fixture from a Daniel Ekpo’s beautiful cross whose introduction brought a lot of uneasiness to the visitors back line.
Robert Mizo and Isreal Consul however would have drawn the first blood in the first half but twice hit the woodwork, also Mizo’s brilliant effort was cut short by Damilare Babatunde and Simon Segun.
Apparently not satisfied with the scoreline, Bayelsa United gaffer Diepreye Teibowei pulled out forward Timitimi Ineikade for the skillful Daniel Ekpo whose effort almost gave the Prosperity Boys the lead few minutes after his introduction.
In what seems to be the changer the tactician pulled out Edwin Ayiba for Bina Tombiri, Stephen Wisdom for Uchenna Akoma and Tonyemiete Owugha for Isreal Consul as it paid off ensuring that the Prosperity Boys moves closer to the Nigeria Professional Football League.
The victory leaves Bayelsa United on 40 points with three points ahead of neighbors Warri Wolves who welcomes another NPFL hopeful Crown Fc at home while Bayelsa United will be away to Nnewi United.
Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Diepreye Teibowei in a post match interview commended the players for the show of dexterity, stating that fatigue was the cause of the depleted squad describing the encounter as El Clasico.
He asserted that Bayelsa United were the better side in the first half but failed to bury their chances due to the team”s pattern of play.
Despite the defeat Warri Wolves technical adviser Sani Sardaunna believes that playing in the elite division is sure bet for the team expressing optimism of winning their last two games.
Coach Sardaunna said they have put the defeat behind them and are now focused on their fixture this weekend against Crown Fc of Ogbomoso.
Also, an elated chairman of Bayelsa United Mr Ebiki Timitimi while appreciating God for the victory lauded the players for their commitment and doggedness in ensuring that the maximum three points was secured.
The former Bayelsa United captain, thanked the governor Senator Douye Diri and his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for unending support given to the team.
He equally apologized to the fans who were unable to watch the match live at the stadium, adding that the decision to play behind close doors was as a result of an unfavorable intelligence report received which would have created problems for the team’s promotion aspirations.
