The Nationwide League One (NLO) has officially confirmed that Bayelsa Starlets Academy will participate in the 2026 NLO U-19 Youth League, marking another major milestone for youth football development in Bayelsa State.
Key Highlights
•NLO confirms Bayelsa Starlets Academy for 2026 U-19 Youth League
•Academy takes over De-Gideon FC Abuja’s league slot
Team affiliated with FC Barcelona as technical partners
•Home matches to be played in Bayelsa State
•Players selected from Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament
•Prosperity Cup organisers commend Premium Trust Bank for sports sponsorship
The confirmation was conveyed in an official letter titled “Confirmation of Status of Bayelsa Starlets Football Academy (U-19 Youth League)” signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the NLO, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo.
According to the letter, Bayelsa Starlets Academy, which is affiliated with Spanish football giants FC Barcelona as technical advisers to the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, officially acquired the league slot previously occupied by De-Gideon FC of Abuja.
Read Also:
- Prosperity Cup wnners receive prize money after triumph at tournament
- NVBF announces date for 2026 National Division 1, 11 league
- FIFA Sanctions Nigeria and DR Congo Over Fan Misconduct: Its impact on local leagues, need for reform
The NLO stated that the academy, being affiliated with the Bayelsa State Football Association, would play all its home matches in Bayelsa State and operate in line with league regulations and statutes.
Part of the letter dated May 21, 2026, read:
“The Nationwide League One Secretariat hereby confirms that the above-named Football Academy, affiliated to the Bayelsa State Football Association, will from the 2026 season join the Nationwide League One U-19 Youth League. The Academy took over the slot of De-Gideon FC of Abuja.”
The league body further confirmed that De-Gideon FC had no outstanding liabilities connected to the transaction and advised the academy to liaise with the Bayelsa State Football Association regarding player registration and documentation for the new season.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Bayelsa Starlets Academy and Director-General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, described the approval as a major boost for youth football development in the state.
Akpe said the initiative reflects the Bayelsa State Government’s commitment to empowering young people through sports and creating opportunities for talented footballers to develop professionally.
According to him, screening for players into the academy began immediately after the conclusion of the eighth edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup.
He disclosed that the exercise was supervised by FIFA-renowned instructor and Technical Adviser, Coach Edema Fuludu, alongside Coach Ebenezer Atayero and other experienced coaches.
Akpe noted that all players selected into the academy emerged from the recently concluded Prosperity Cup competition.
He commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe, and Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, for their continued investment in youth empowerment through sports development.
The football administrator also praised Premium Trust Bank, lead sponsors of the Prosperity Cup, for their sustained support for grassroots football and youth development across Nigeria.
“The commitment and support of Premium Trust Bank to sports development is unprecedented and deserves commendation across the country,” Akpe stated.
He specifically applauded the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, for supporting young talents in Bayelsa, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria at large.
Founded in 2019, Bayelsa Starlets Academy previously represented Nigeria at the African Youth Championship in Cape Verde, where the club finished third among participating international teams. The academy also won the Bayelsa State League title in 2020.
