...Remain Unbeaten After Five Matches
Bayelsa Starlets Academy, affiliated to FC Barcelona of Spain, have moved to the top of the South South/South East Conference of the N-Youth League following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mariners City FC of Eket on Matchday Five of the ongoing competition.
The Yenagoa-based academy secured a valuable away point at the Eket Township Stadium to take their tally to 13 points, moving ahead of S-Kings Academy, who occupy second position with 12 points. FC Prague Nigeria are third, also on 12 points, while Abia Warriors FC sit fourth with nine points.
Mariners City FC took the lead in the 24th minute through Nelson Okoronkwo, who capitalised on a defensive misunderstanding to put the hosts ahead.
Despite conceding, Bayelsa Starlets Academy remained composed, displaying remarkable character and tactical discipline as they gradually took control of possession, dictated the pace of the game and mounted sustained pressure in search of an equaliser.
The hosts, however, held on to their slender advantage going into the halftime break.
Bayelsa Starlets returned from the break with renewed determination and attacking intent, taking control of proceedings and dominating possession while putting the Mariners City defence under sustained pressure.
Their persistence eventually paid off in the 78th minute when Wisdom Omosua restored parity. His attempted cross into the penalty area took an unexpected trajectory and sailed past the Mariners City FC goalkeeper into the net, sparking celebrations among the Starlets players and technical crew.
The equaliser capped an impressive display of resilience and determination by the visitors, who maintained their unbeaten run after five matches, recording four victories and one draw to amass 13 points.
Speaking after the encounter, Head Coach Gomo Onduku commended his players for their resilience, discipline and fighting spirit, particularly their response after going behind.
He noted that the result reflected the team's strong mentality and determination, while acknowledging the need to continue improving in certain areas as the technical crew intensifies preparations for subsequent matches.
Bayelsa Starlets will next travel to Aba, Abia State, where they will face Triple VFR Football Academy on November 17, 2026, at the Enyimba International Stadium, as they aim to consolidate their position at the summit of the conference standings.
