Bayelsa United has debunked rumours of refusing to return the Aiteo Federation Cup trophy to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over non-payment for winning bonuses, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
Rumours made the round on Monday morning, that the Nigeria National League (NNL) side refused to return the Aiteo Federation Cup trophy to the NFF, after they failed to pay the 2021 winners, their prize money worth N25 million. Although the news has been debunked, the NFF is yet to pay up the prize money.
In a monitored sports programme in Bayelsa, the chairman of the Yenagoa-based side, Ebiki Timitimi explained the situation the club has found itself in with the NFF whilst debunking unverified news.
“The club was yet to receive any official request demanding the return of the trophy describing the report as untrue.”
“The club has written to the apex football body in Nigeria to demand payment of the Twenty-Five Million Naira prize money, yet the NFF has failed to keep to their promise after one year for both teams Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens.”
He also talked about how the team is focused on its quest to return to the top flight football league in Nigeria and is trying to avoid distractions as they are set to face Nnewi United this weekend, then their last home game against Cynosure FC.
The Prosperity Boys won the 2021 Aiteo Cup on August 8, after defeating Nasarawa United 4-3 in a penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes of action at the Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City, Edo State.