Bayelsa United began their 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign on a winning note after defeating Abia Comets 1-0 in their Matchday One encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, with Godswill Ibomo scoring the decisive goal in the 29th minute.
The victory gives the former Aiteo Cup champions a positive start to their “Operation Return to the NPFL” campaign as they seek promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League at the end of the season.
Key Highlights
- Bayelsa United defeated Abia Comets 1-0 in their 2026/2027 NNL season opener.
- Godswill Ibomo scored the only goal in the 29th minute with a left-footed volley.
- Abia Comets increased the pressure in the second half but failed to find an equaliser.
- Godbless Ayeke made his senior-team debut after earning promotion from the club’s feeder team.
- Bayelsa United will face Dokkal Khairu FC in Ekiti on November 15.
Ibomo’s 29th-Minute Strike Secures Victory For Bayelsa United
The Prosperity Boys started the encounter brightly, dictating the pace and dominating possession as they searched for an early breakthrough.
Despite creating promising opportunities in the opening 20 minutes, the hosts struggled to find the back of the net. John Bassey and Okardi Inikurogha both came close but were denied by Abia Comets’ determined defence.
Bayelsa United eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute through young forward Godswill Ibomo.
Ibomo cut in from the right flank before unleashing an impressive left-footed volley that beat Abia Comets goalkeeper Anyanwu Ugochukwu and sent the home supporters into celebration.
Having enjoyed the greater share of possession and attacking opportunities in the first half, Bayelsa United returned from the break to face a more determined Abia Comets side.
The visitors mounted pressure in search of an equaliser, but Bayelsa United’s defensive unit remained organised and disciplined, frustrating their attacking efforts and protecting the lead until the final whistle.
Maikaba Makes Second-Half Changes
Seeking to strengthen his team’s attacking options, Bayelsa United Technical Adviser Abdul Maikaba introduced Julius Godknows and Godbless Ayeke for Okardi Inikurogha and John Bassey respectively.
Ayeke’s introduction was particularly significant as he made his official senior-team debut after earning promotion from the club’s feeder team.
Despite the changes, Abia Comets maintained their defensive discipline and prevented the hosts from extending their advantage.
Maikaba, Ukaiwe React To NNL Season Opener
Speaking after the match, Maikaba described the encounter as difficult but expressed satisfaction with the three points secured by his team.
“It was a tough game, but the most important thing is that we secured the three points. We created several scoring opportunities that could have given us more goals, but unfortunately, we failed to convert them.
“Although Abia Comets came out stronger in the second half and put us under pressure, I believe we will continue to improve as the league progresses. This is an important victory for us, and we are happy to begin the campaign with a win,” Maikaba stated.
Abia Comets Head Coach, Ifeanyi Ukaiwe, also praised his players’ performance despite the defeat.
He said the team’s display reflected its ambition and determination for the new season, adding that the technical crew would work on areas requiring improvement ahead of subsequent fixtures.
“I am pleased with the performance of my players. Although the result did not go our way, the team’s display reflects our ambition and determination for the new season. We will take the positives from this encounter and work towards improving in our subsequent matches,” Ukaiwe remarked.
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Bayelsa United Captain Targets NPFL Promotion
Bayelsa United captain Gabriel Biriduba reaffirmed the team’s determination to approach every fixture with a winning mentality.
He said the opening-day victory had strengthened the players’ confidence and belief in their promotion ambition.
“Our target this season is to win every match and give our best in every game. This victory is a good starting point, and it has further boosted our confidence and belief that we can achieve our ambition of returning Bayelsa United to the NPFL at the end of the season,” Biriduba said.
Bayelsa United To Face Dokkal Khairu FC Next
Bayelsa United will next travel to Ekiti to face Dokkal Khairu FC on November 15, 2026, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium.
The Prosperity Boys will be hoping to build on their winning start and maintain momentum as they pursue an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
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