Bayelsa United’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to the Nigeria National League (NNL) has left Team Manager Tarila Okorowanta, a former Nigerian international, heartbroken, calling it the saddest moment of his entire football career. The 61-year-old, who made history as the first Nigerian to score at a FIFA World Cup finals tournament during the 1983 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Mexico, expressed deep sorrow over the club’s fate despite their 4-0 victory over Kwara United on the final matchday of the 2025/2026 NPFL season. The win, while impressive, was not enough to prevent relegation as the team failed to secure enough points to avoid dropping to the second tier.
Okorowanta, speaking exclusively to Completesports.com on Tuesday, described the relegation as “sad, painful and most unfortunate.” He admitted it was difficult to accept the outcome but acknowledged it as a harsh reality the club must now face. His emotional response underscores the significance of the drop for a club with a rich footballing heritage and high expectations. As Team Manager, Okorowanta emphasized that he does not hold the final decision-making power within the club’s administration, but he voiced concerns about the leadership’s understanding of football management.
He stated that the current management structure appears to lack the necessary grounding in the complexities of professional football operations. While he refrained from assigning blame directly, Okorowanta highlighted that some individuals in charge do not fully grasp the intricacies of the football business. He also revealed that Governor Douye Diri has expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, adding uncertainty to the future of the club’s leadership and operations.
Despite the relegation, Okorowanta remains hopeful for a turnaround through the President Federation Cup. Bayelsa United are still in contention in the competition, set to face fellow relegated side Wikki Tourists in the Round of 32 in Lafia. He believes the tournament could offer a glimmer of relief and a chance to rebuild morale and performance. “Let’s wait and see,” he said. “It is not completely over for us yet.”
The club’s journey in the Federation Cup may provide a platform for redemption and renewed focus. As Bayelsa United navigate this challenging period, the spotlight remains on leadership, restructuring, and the potential for a comeback in the next season. The future of the Prosperity Boys hangs in the balance, but the spirit of the team and its supporters remains unbroken.
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