Okowa may merge Warri Wolves, Delta Stars, Delta Force

Delta Queens FC may be disbanded

There are strong indications that Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, may merge the three existing male clubs in the state into one any time from now. The plan to collapse the three clubs, Warri Wolves FC, which currently operates in Warri, Delta Stars of Ughelli and Delta Force of Asaba, may not be unconnected with the state’s dwindling economic situation, which has made it difficult for it to cope with the rising financial cost of running the clubs.

Also, the state government is said to be nursing the idea of disbanding the female clubside, Delta Queens Football Club because, according to a source yesterday, it sees it as an ‘unprofitable’ venture.

Warri Wolves FC could not survive their battle to remain in the elite division at the end of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season. A memo to the effect of collapsing the three male clubs into one is said to be waiting for approval on the governor’s table.

At the beginning of the 2015/2016 football season, Delta State government established two new male clubs, Delta Stars of Ughelli and Delta Force of Asaba, in addition to Warri Wolves FC to give youths in all the three Senatorial zones equal opportunity of nurturing their football potential.

“The idea behind the setting up of Delta Stars of Ughelli and Delta Force of Asaba in the lower division was to serve as feeders to Warri Wolves FC, which was in the elite division. Delta Stars was to take care of youths in Delta Central and Delta Force FC for those in Delta North. Now that Warri Wolves is relegated to the lower division, the government feels there is no need retaining those two clubs. Beside, the cost of running three clubs in one state is going higher by the day,” the source said yesterday.

The source added that the government may also come up with a new name that will be suitable for the yet to be named club, just as he hinted that the new club may be relocated to another venue.

“The new club may be based in Sapele instead of Warri,” the source stated. “It is not possible to move the club to the state capital now because the stadium in Asaba has not been completed. What is delaying the pronouncement of the merger is that the governor wants to settle players and officials of the three clubs before asking them to go. That may happen in the next couple of days.”

The Guardian also learnt yesterday that due to rising cost of running the club, the government is said to have concluded plans to rest Delta Queens FC, which currently operates in Oleh. Another source hinted yesterday that the government might relocate the club either to Agbor or its former base in Kwale.No official of Delta Sports Commission was ready to comment on the issues yesterday.