From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Akinima/Biogbo FC of Ogboloma in Yenagoa Local Government Area and Okoroma United from Okoroma in Nembe LGA will battle for the ₦30,000,000 prize money in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the “Prosperity Cup.”
Akinima/Biogbo beat former champions, Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene by two goals to one in an encounter decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, to qualify for the final of the tournament for the first time.
Defending champions, Afini Ladies of Amarata square up against Active Ladies in the women’s category. Goals from Augustine Chidinma, Favour Ufiaka, Ogolo Blessing at halftime on 17, 25 and 30 minutes respectively gave Afini Ladies the well-deserved victory.
Okoroma United in the first semi-final overpowered Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC by three goals to two to reach a historic tournament final.
A hat trick from Noble Erasmus on 5, 54, 73 minutes was all Okoroma needed to sail through. Goals by midfielder, Omoro Bright on 45 minutes and James Ofiefemote just before the final whistle were not enough to see MLDM FC through to the final of the competition.
The third place match will see Krosaders FC up against MLDM FC of Odi at 3.00pm while Ezougha Queens will entertain Bayelsa Stars in the women’s category at 1.00pm.
The FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup scouting programme entered day two with beautiful display of football by players in the Under-15 and Under-19 categories.
The Prosperity Cup/Barcelona FC partnership, facilitated by Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-kid Ventures of the Netherlands, will culminate into the establishment of a world-class football academy in Yenagoa, where products of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament would be nurtured and mentored as the historical signing of the MoU gets underway this weekend.
The Member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba, noted that the competition has given a new direction to the development of female football in the State.
According to her, football has moved from a recreational activity to a money-spinnng venture, urging the young ladies to combine their sporting career along side education, which will serve as a buffer after retirement from active sports.
A visibly satisfied coach of Akinima/Biogbo, Ibomotimi Fyneface in his post-match reaction, said the victory reflects the commitment and the determination of the team, pointing out that their aim was to lift the trophy and smile home with the N30 million prize money.
Also, Man of the match, Omasua Wisdom, said he was pleased with the show of determination by his team mates throughout the encounter, that their attention has now moved to the final of the tournament coming up on Friday, May 8, 2026.
