Gov. Diri Dissolves Bayelsa United, Fires Coaches and Management Staff

Bayelsa United FC has been dissolved by Bayelsa State Governor His Excellency Douye Diri after the club’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to the Nigeria National League (NNL), according to Completesports.com.

Governor Diri also announced the disbandment of the club’s Management Committee, headed by Tarilaye Amankwe, the technical staff led by Meremu Okara, and the players.

The governor described the decision as “painful and sad” because the club has returned to the second tier.

Diri Laments Bayelsa United’s Relegation From NPFL

In a televised address, Governor Diri expressed regret that Bayelsa United had been relegated despite his earlier warnings.

“At the end of this (2025/2026) football season, we found ourselves back to the beginning where we started,” the governor said on Wednesday.

Read Also: NPFL: ‘Bayelsa United Relegation Saddest Moment In My Football Career’ — Okorowanta

“Sadly, our football club, Bayelsa United, has been relegated again to the second division of our country’s league,” he continued. “I had urged players, the board, coaches and everyone to do everything possible to keep the club in the Premier League, especially as we invest in sports development and the 30,000‑capacity World Class Stadium, which is not yet for us but is for the future generation of Bayelsans.”

“I wanted to ensure that the club did not face relegation, and now that it has, Bayelsa United Football Club is hereby disbanded. The board is also disbanded, the coaches have been sacked, and an interim body will be announced soon to oversee the club’s affairs and reorganise Bayelsa United FC. New coaches will be appointed to secure promotion back to the Premier League in the next season.”

“All coaches, players, board members and players are affected by this order. Every property in their possession must be handed over to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Sports Development.”

By Sab Osuji