Officials of Spanish football giants FC Barcelona have commended the Bayelsa State Government for its support of the Bayelsa Starlets Academy, expressing satisfaction with the facilities provided for the players as the academy prepares for the 2026 N-Youth League.
The Barcelona officials made the commendation during a three-day visit to Bayelsa State to assess the academy’s facilities, players and progress under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between FC Barcelona and the state government in May 2026.
Key Highlights
- FC Barcelona officials inspected the Bayelsa Starlets Academy facilities in Yenagoa.
- The delegation expressed satisfaction with the temporary camp at Onopa.
- Barcelona Technical Director Bernat Villa-Gorriz praised the facilities and accommodation.
- The visit assessed progress under the FC Barcelona-Bayelsa MoU signed in May 2026.
- The academy’s U-19 team previously won the NLO Youth League in Yenagoa.
- Bayelsa Starlets face Supreme Kings FA away on October 13 and host PSMA Pepperest on October 20.
FC Barcelona Officials Inspect Bayelsa Starlets Academy
The FC Barcelona delegation inspected the temporary camp of the Bayelsa Starlets Academy at Onopa, behind the Government House in Yenagoa, during the three-day visit.
The officials expressed satisfaction with the facilities, particularly the accommodation provided for the young players.
The assessment formed part of efforts to monitor the implementation of the partnership between FC Barcelona and the Bayelsa State Government.
The partnership was formalised in May 2026 through an MoU aimed at developing grassroots football and establishing an FC Barcelona-affiliated academy in Bayelsa State.
Barcelona Technical Director Praises Facilities
Bernat Villa-Gorriz, FC Barcelona Technical Director for Europe and Africa, said he was impressed by the facilities and hostels inspected during the visit.
He noted that the environment was spacious and suitable for an academy, adding that providing players with adequate accommodation would help create an environment where football development and education could be pursued together.
Gorriz also praised the progress made by the players after watching two of their matches. According to him, the team had shown considerable improvement compared with his previous visit.
He further commended the management of the Starlets for its efforts to help the young players develop their football potential.
Bayelsa-Barcelona MoU Drives Academy Development
The partnership between Bayelsa State and FC Barcelona is focused on strengthening grassroots football development in the state.
The MoU was signed during the 2026 Prosperity Cup final in Yenagoa, with Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development Daniel Igali signing on behalf of the state government and Bernat Villa-Gorriz representing Barcelona.
The agreement provides the framework for developing the Bayelsa Starlets Academy and supporting the development of players and coaches. Earlier screening exercises selected young players in the U-15 and U-19 categories for the upgraded academy.
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Whiz-Kid Ventures Highlights Government Commitment
Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-Kid Ventures, Netherlands, who brokered the partnership between FC Barcelona and the Bayelsa State Government, said the temporary academy structure demonstrated the government’s commitment to establishing the Bayelsa Starlets Academy in line with the MoU.
The partnership is expected to provide a structured pathway for young footballers in Bayelsa while combining football development with education.
Prosperity Cup DG Commends Bayelsa Government
Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Ono Akpe, appreciated Governor Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Peter Akpe and Commissioner for Sports Development Daniel Igali for their support for the Starlets.
Akpe said the Starlets management moved quickly after the signing of the MoU to assemble a team from players who participated in the eighth edition of the Prosperity Cup. The selection process was led by former Nigerian international Edema Fuludu and a team of coaches.
According to Akpe, the development programme has already produced results, with Bayelsa Starlets emerging champions of the NLO U-19 Youth League in Yenagoa. Reports from August showed the team won four of its five matches at the Yenagoa centre to finish top.
Bayelsa Starlets Prepare for N-Youth League
The Bayelsa Starlets Academy has continued preparations for the N-Youth League through training sessions and friendly matches against neighbouring clubs.
The academy’s U-19 players have also remained in camp as part of preparations for competitive football under the FC Barcelona partnership.
The team is scheduled to begin its N-Youth League campaign away against Supreme Kings FA on October 13, 2026. Bayelsa Starlets will then return to Yenagoa to host PSMA Pepperest on October 20, 2026, at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Officials Urge Players to Remain Disciplined
Secretary of the Bayelsa State Football Association, Diseye Nwankwe, and Central Organising Committee member Zuzu Ebimotimi urged the young players to remain disciplined and professional.
They stressed the importance of combining football development with responsible conduct as the players continue their progression through the academy.
The FC Barcelona partnership is expected to provide further exposure to structured youth football development while creating opportunities for talented players from Bayelsa and the wider Niger Delta.
With the Starlets preparing for the N-Youth League and the Barcelona partnership moving into its implementation phase, attention will now turn to the academy’s ability to develop players, support education and provide a pathway towards higher levels of professional football.
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