By Rhoda Godwin
The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, is proving to be a fertile ground for nurturing grassroots football talent in Nigeria, organizers have confirmed ahead of the eagerly anticipated finals this Friday at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Speaking to journalists in Yenagoa, at a press briefing, the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, expressed satisfaction with the progress and impact of the competition, which has been steadily growing over the years.
“After years of dedicated investment, Bayelsans are now beginning to reap the dividends of the Prosperity Cup,” he said, emphasizing the tournament’s role as a vital platform for young footballers to showcase their skills and advance their careers.
Akpe highlighted the remarkable success of players emerging from the tournament who have gone on to join Bayelsa United and other clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), underscoring the Prosperity Cup’s significance in the national football ecosystem.
This year’s edition featured an impressive 231 teams competing across 26 venues spread over the state’s eight local government areas. So far, 224 matches have been played, producing over 540 goals—an average of 2.4 goals per game, showcasing the competitive spirit and attacking flair on display.
Women’s Football on the Rise
The tournament also saw strong participation in the women’s category, with 27 teams initially registering and 20 making the final cut. Mr. Akpe singled out Afini Ladies of Amarata and Ezuogha Soccer Academy as deserving finalists, highlighting the growing prominence of women’s football in Bayelsa.
The excitement intensifies starting Thursday, June 12, with the women’s third-place playoff at 1:00 pm, where Bayelsa Stars Queens FC will face BYSCON Queens. Meanwhile, Bayelsa United Feeders will challenge former champions Crusaders FC in the men’s third-place match.
The grand finale on Friday, June 13, will feature the women’s final between Afini Ladies and Ezuogha Soccer Academy, followed by the men’s championship clash between Eternal Grace Ministry (EGM FC) and Advance Dreams FA, both based in Yenagoa.
The finals are set to attract top football and sports dignitaries, including Nigeria Football Federation President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General Hon. Bukola Olapade. Other notable attendees include Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, and officials from the Nigeria National League.
In a bid to further motivate participants, the organizers have earmarked a total prize fund of ₦50 million for this year’s tournament.
The men’s champions will receive ₦10 million, with descending prizes for the runners-up and consolation awards down to fifth place. The women’s winners will take home ₦5 million, with similar scaled prizes for other top finishers.
Akpe concluded by reiterating the commitment of the organizers and the Bayelsa State Football Association to properly manage and support the players emerging from the Prosperity Cup, ensuring the tournament remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for grassroots footballers across the state.
