Okoroma United of Bayelsa State and debutants Active Ladies of Agudama have emerged as the men's and women's champions of Nigeria's largest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup.
Men's Final: Okoroma United Triumphs
In the men's category, Okoroma United secured a historic victory by defeating hard-fighting Akinima/Biogbo 1-0. Erasmus Noble scored the decisive goal in the 18th minute at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, ensuring the Nembe Local Government Area side claimed the trophy and prize money.
Women's Final: Active Ladies Stun Defending Champions
Active Ladies made a remarkable debut by beating defending champions Afini Ladies of Amarata 1-0 in the women's final. Ughwumioma Charity's 32nd-minute strike proved to be the difference, earning the Agudama side the championship title.
Prize Money Breakdown
Champions Okoroma United received ₦30,000,000 for their efforts. Second-placed Akinima/Biogbo went home with ₦10,000,000, while Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry (MLDM FC) finished third and received ₦5,000,000. Fourth-placed Krosaders FC took ₦2,000,000.
In the women's category, champions Active Ladies were rewarded with ₦10,000,000. The runners-up received ₦5,000,000, the third-placed team got ₦2,000,000, and the fourth-placed team received ₦1,000,000, along with other consolation prizes.
Para-Soccer champions Shadrack Sports Academy earned ₦1.5 million for their triumph. The total prize money for the tournament amounted to ₦80,000,000.
Historic MoU Signed for FC Barcelona-Affiliated Academy
The final also witnessed the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the FC Barcelona-affiliated Bayelsa Starlets Academy. This development marks a significant step in youth development through football in the region.
Governor Douye Diri's Remarks
Declaring the tournament closed, an elated Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, expressed his pleasure with the continuous growth of the tournament. He emphasized that his administration has used the Prosperity Cup to empower the state's youths. The governor described sports as a global event and noted that the competition was one of the programmes he inherited from his predecessor, which he invested in heavily to empower youths. He pointed out that beyond politics, football has become a means of livelihood.
Governor Diri acknowledged that the introduction of the women's category improved the quality of football in the competition. He stressed that the continuous increase in the number of clubs participating reflects the tournament's growth. The governor noted that he wants to see the government disengaging completely from football and all sports, stating that the private sector's involvement is why football thrives in the country.
Commending the organizers for the smooth running of the competition, the governor expressed elation over the yearly increase in sponsors. He hopes to see the tournament stand independently without government involvement in the future.
Support from Sponsors
Managing Director/CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, represented by the Chief Operating Officer for the South South region, Dr. Aniebet Offiong, stated that beyond delivering premium services to customers, the institution is committed to sports development.
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick, commended the governor's intentionality in sports development. He pointed out that the display of talents in the final was unprecedented.
Tournament Director's Welcome Address
In his welcome address, the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, noted that this year's edition was unique due to the competition's international identity. He stated that the signing of the MoU reflects the state government's commitment to improving the lives of youths. He lauded the sponsors, including Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance Nig Ltd, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigeria Customs Service, Binad Table Water, Agco Engineering, and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue for their unwavering support.
Shortly after signing the MoU, Technical Director Bernat Villa Gorriz expressed elation at being part of the historic event.
Coaches' Reactions
Okoroma United coach Ebinimi Festus and Akinima/Biogbo coach Ibomotimi Fyneface, in separate post-match interviews, affirmed the huge improvement in this year's tournament.
