Diri Showers Millions on Triumphant Bayelsa Queens

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has rolled out substantial cash rewards to celebrate the Bayelsa Queens after their triumphant 2024/2025 Nigerian Women Professional Football League (NWFL) campaign, capping a record sixth league title.

At the 67th Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, attended by deputy governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Governor Diri presented each of the 26 first-team players with ₦4million for their achievement in clinching the coveted league crown. Squad members who did not feature in matches also received ₦1million each. The head coach was awarded ₦4million, while the board chairman earned ₦3million. Assistant coaches were given ₦2million each, backroom staff took home ₦1.5million each, and each board member received ₦1million. The supporters’ club was also recognized with a ₦3million gift.

The governor further instructed an immediate upward review of players’ salaries for both the state’s male and female teams, charging the management to ensure their welfare matches their winning ambition.

Governor Diri praised Bayelsa Queens’ resilience and called for continued support from private sector partners, acknowledging Premium Trust Bank for its role in the team’s success. The bank, a major sponsor, supplemented the state government’s gesture by rewarding players and technical officials with ₦2million each, and donated a new Coaster bus to the team to aid preparations for the forthcoming continental campaigns.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bayelsa Queens sealed the 2025 NWFL Premiership title after a commanding 4–1 victory over Naija Ratels in the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne. Star striker Vera Samuel netted a hat-trick, propelling the “Prosperity Girls” to the top of the Super Six standings with 10 points, and securing an automatic ticket to this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League as Nigeria’s flag bearers.

Governor Diri urged his team to build on this historic success, establish stronger feeder teams for both genders, and keep projecting Bayelsa State as a powerhouse in women’s football.

The show of appreciation by both government and private partners marks a new high for women’s sports in the state, setting Bayelsa Queens on course for further glories on the national and continental stage.