As the dust following the hostilities of the President Federation Cup at the state level begins to settle, officials of Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene and Bayelsa Queens, winners of the male and female categories of the competition in Bayelsa State, have been reacting to their respective club's victories.
In the President Federation Cup state finals decided on Sunday, February 23, 2025, Bayelsa Queens whitewashed Crystal Stars 8-0 in the first match of the day while Crusaders of Peretorugbene defeated favourites Bayelsa United by 4-2 via penalties after the match ended 2-2 at the end of regulation time.
Reacting to the victory, Chairman of Bayelsa Queens, Pastor Robin Apreala said it was their second team that played against Crystal Stars, maintaining that if it was their first team they would have scored more than eight goals.
According to Apreala, "We thank God for the victory. I had expected more goals against Crystal Stars. It was our second team that played against them but in all, we glorify God".
Asked how prepared are his girls, he said, "Our focus is going back to the continent. By God's grace, we are going to qualify for the Super -Six. We will do our best for the President Federation Cup.
"We have been consistent. We won the Aiteo Cup in 2001, in 2022 we got to the finals against Delta Queens but it was skipped by the organizers. Again in 2023,we won the Tingo Cup but up till date the prize money has not been paid".
Speaking shortly after the game, coach of Crusaders, Suokumor Genesis said the feeling of winning the match was indescribable, pointing out that they have worked hard for the game for a long time.
Hear him, "It is a good thing we won the match. I can't describe the feeling. It feels great. However this is not the first time we are defeating Bayelsa United, we have done it before but even at that the feeling of being the state champions is indescribable".
Continuing, he said, “I give credit to the players for their determination but we’re not done yet as we are going to face other teams at the national level and we promise this time, to go far".
When he was asked what the team would do differently for them to go far, unlike other years, he said, "We will beef up the team for optimal performance. We have the players. It is just for us to register them. We are waiting for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to open the portal for registration of players and we will do the needful”.
In his reaction, Proprietor and C.E.O. of Crusaders FC, Dr. Peter Singabele said "I am excited. Beating Bayelsa United and winning the President Federation Cup is no mean feat and we are happy; the management, players and indeed all our teeming supporters".
Noting that they have been representing the state for the past three years, Dr Singable said this time they are going to make much impact at the national level to make their teeming supporters and the state proud.
Asked what the club would do differently if they must go far at the national stage, Dr Singabele re-echoed what his coach said. He said they need to beef up the team.
Dr Singable said "Our coach has identified the problem. We definitely need to beef up the team, especially in attack. The boys are playing well, creating chances but converting them is a problem".
He said they will see how to get some new players to beef up the team but in the mean time they have to go back to the drawing board and work on the players.
Dr. Singabele, who is one-time NFF board member as well as member CAF Medical Committee, appreciated the Ministry of Sports Development under the leadership of Dr. Daniel Igali, for the support being accorded to grassroot sports, particularly football and thanked Bayelsans for the massive support given to his team.
The veteran football administrator, who was full of praise for young football proprietors in the state for their and urged them not to relent.
He said, "For young football proprietors who are doing so much for football, I urge them not to give up. Our focus should be how to develop and improve these young players by continuing to register their clubs to participate in the President Federation Cup which provides our young players a platform to showcase their talent".
