By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.
Bayelsa Starlets Academy, affiliated to FC Barcelona of Spain, continued their impressive run in the N-Youth League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Triple VFR Football Academy of Umuahia in the South South/South East Conference.
The Yenagoa-based academy has maintained a scintillating run of form, recording four consecutive victories in as many matches. The impressive achievement underscores the team’s ambition, discipline and determination to make a strong impression in the competition.
Head Coach Gomo Onduku made a few changes to the side that convincingly defeated JCE FA a week ago, with Raphael ThankGod and Wisdom Omosua earning places in the matchday squad, while Adamawa Oyintari retained his position between the sticks.
Bayelsa Starlets dominated possession and dictated the tempo of the encounter, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute through Tengi Ibuama.
The goal followed a well-weighted low cross from Wisdom Omosua into the danger area, which Tengi calmly converted with a superb right-footed finish to give the hosts an early advantage.
The strike proved decisive as Bayelsa Starlets demonstrated tactical discipline, composure and defensive resilience to protect their lead and secure all three points.
With the victory, Bayelsa Starlets are placed second on the conference standings with 12 points from four matches, level on points with S-King Football Academy of Umuahia, who occupy the top spot by virtue of superior goal difference of +12 compared to Starlets’ +8. FC Prague Nigeria occupies the third position with nine points.
Bayelsa Starlets will next travel to Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where they will face Mariners City FC on November 12, 2026, as they seek to extend their impressive winning streak.
Speaking after the encounter, Bayelsa Starlets Head Coach, Gomo Onduku, attributed the team’s impressive performance to the collective commitment of the management, technical crew and players, while cautioning his wards against complacency.
Onduku further expressed satisfaction with the team’s steady progress, noting that the possession-based approach adopted by the academy reflects the football philosophy of FC Barcelona.
He added: “We are building a team that understands how to control the game, dominate possession and dictate proceedings through intelligent movement and quick passing. That is the Barcelona philosophy we are trying to instil in these young players. We are not only interested in winning matches; we are committed to developing technically-sound, tactically-intelligent and confident footballers.”
On his part, Triple VFR Football Academy Head Coach, Charles Ekanem, acknowledged the quality of Bayelsa Starlets, maintaining that his players gave their best despite the narrow defeat.
He said: “We gave everything on the pitch, but football is decided by fine margins, and unfortunately, we were unable to get the result we wanted. Bayelsa Starlets are a very good side with quality players, and they took their opportunity. We must accept the result, learn from our mistakes and return stronger in our next fixture.”
