From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Ahead of the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU that will pave the way for the setting up of the FC Barcelona-affiliated Bayelsa Starlets Academy, officials of the Spanish football giants have expressed satisfaction with facilities on ground.
The FC Barcelona officials made the assertion while speaking shortly after a facilities tour to the Bayelsa Medical University, BMU Hostels, the Sampou campus of the institution, Belary Montessori International School, along Tombia/Imiringi Road and the ongoing 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene in Yenagoa, the State capital.
The tour, which was led by the Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Pere Efeke, was to ascertain the suitability and level of construction work done on the facilities, expected to facilitate the take-off of the Bayelsa Starlet Academy.
While speaking shortly after the tour, FC Barcelona Technical Adviser, Mr Alberto Lafuente, said
he was pleased with what he saw on ground during the visit.
Mr Lafuente, who noted that the state government was being intentional in its plan to set up the Bayelsa Starlets Academy, said the academy, when fully operational, would rewrite the story of grassroots footballers in the state in the nearest future.
Also, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Pere Efeke remarked that the ministry was committed to the development of sports, stating that the academy would take the youths off the streets.
He stated that the ongoing construction work at the stadium would be completed at the stipulated time, maintaining that the Prosperity Cup has become the pride of grassroots football in the country.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor, Bayelsa Medical University, BMU, Prof. Dimie Ogoina represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ligha Aloysius Ebi, noted that beyond the award of certificates, the institution accords priority to sports development.
Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe earlier in an address, said Sampou would be the permanent site for the academy, that the target would be for players to combine education and their football career.
Meanwhile, in the on-going Prosperity Cup, the third place matches for both men and women will come up on Thursday, 7th of May, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium where the Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC will battle Krosaders FC at 3.00pm
Ezeougha Oueens will face Bayelsa Stars in the women’s category at 1.00pm, with the grand finale in both the men and women’s categories, slated for Friday, 8th of May, 2026.
