Bayelsa United head coach Meremu Okara expressed disappointment after his side were held to a 0–0 draw by Bendel Insurance in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) South-South Derby at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Sunday. The Restoration Boys created several opportunities but failed to convert throughout the contest.
Okara lamented that his team’s profligacy in front of goal cost them valuable points at home, insisting that Bayelsa United should have taken at least one goal from the chances they fashioned.
“We worked hard with the hope that we were going to take the three points, but it didn’t go that way,” Okara said after the stalemate, describing the missed opportunities as a “very disappointing result.”
The coach also admitted that playing at home has brought added pressure on his players, saying they tend to score more in away matches than at the Samson Siasia Stadium. This tension, he suggested, may have contributed to the team’s inability to finish.
Looking ahead, Okara revealed he is considering a more defensive tactical approach when Bayelsa United travel to face Ikorodu City in their next NPFL fixture as they seek to catch the league leaders on the counter-attack.
Editorial
Bayelsa United’s goalless draw against Bendel Insurance highlights a familiar issue in the NPFL the fine margins between victory and frustration. Despite dominating large periods of the game and creating clear opportunities, Bayelsa’s inability to convert chances remains a nagging concern that could impact their league ambitions if not addressed.
Okara’s remarks about the pressure of playing at home underline a psychological factor that sometimes affects teams in the Nigerian top flight. Home crowds can raise expectations, and for a side that has struggled for consistency at Samson Siasia Stadium, turning dominance into goals will be a key test of character.
As the season progresses, tactical flexibility may become essential for Bayelsa United. Okara’s hint at adopting a more defensive mindset against stronger opponents like Ikorodu City shows a pragmatic approach. While fans want excitement and attacking football, earning points even by less attractive means is critical in a tightly fought league.
Did You Know?
- Bayelsa United were held to a 0–0 draw by Bendel Insurance in their NPFL Matchday 26 fixture in Yenagoa.
- Coach Meremu Okara blamed the missed chances in front of goal for the dropped points.
- Okara admitted his side tends to score more in away games than at home due to pressure on players.
- Bayelsa United will face Ikorodu City next in an NPFL Matchday 27 fixture.
- Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa is Bayelsa United’s home ground, hosting several South-South Derby matches in the NPFL.
