Bayelsa United Team Manager, Tarila Okorowanta — a former Nigerian international — has exclusively told Completesports.com that the Prosperity Boys’ relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to the Nigeria National League (NNL) represents the saddest moment of his entire football career.
The 61-year-old Okorowanta was the first Nigerian to score at a FIFA World Cup finals tournament, following his goal against the Soviet Union during the 1983 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Mexico.
The Prosperity Boys suffered relegation despite recording an emphatic 4-0 victory over Kwara United on the final matchday of the 2025/2026 NPFL season.
Okorowanta Devastated By Bayelsa United’s Relegation
“This is the saddest day in my entire football career,” Okorowanta lamented when Completesports.com contacted him on Tuesday.
Also Read: NPFL: ‘Don’t Panic, Bayelsa United Will Secure Nine Points To Stay Up’ — Okara
“It’s sad, painful and most unfortunate that we (Bayelsa United) suffered relegation.
“I find it difficult to accept, but that is the painful reality and we have to live with it.”
Club Management Under Scrutiny After NPFL Drop
Okorowanta was outspoken when asked about the circumstances that led to Bayelsa United’s relegation to the NNL.
“I’m the Team Manager. I don’t have the final decision-making powers. But if you ask me, I would say we seem to have people at the helm of affairs who are not adequately grounded in the intricate business of football management.
“This is not about shifting blame. It is not the time for blame games. But the truth is that we have people in the team who do not fully understand the football business.”
He admitted that the future of the club’s management remains uncertain, adding that Governor Douye Diri has expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance.
Also Read: NPFL: Bayelsa United Won’t Be Relegated — Chairman Nwankwe Insists
The former Flying Eagles and Green Eagles winger, however, remains hopeful as Bayelsa United are still in contention in the President Federation Cup, where they will face fellow relegated side Wikki Tourists in the Round of 32 in Lafia.
Federation Cup Offers Okorowanta, Bayelsa United Hope
“Well, let’s wait and see. It is not completely over for us yet. We are still in the Federation Cup Round of 32 and will face Wikki Tourists in Lafia. Anything can still happen.
“Who knows, the President Federation Cup could provide a window of relief for us as a team.
“But certainly, the governor is not happy with the team and we do not know what could happen next,” Okorowanta concluded.
