27 teams jostle for N10m as female Prosperity Cup 2025 begins 

From Amgbare Prince in Yenagoa

Following a successful draw ceremony for the accredited 27 teams, the race for the seven edition of the 2025 Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup begins in Bayelsa State.

The draws conducted yesterday at the Samson Siasia Stadium by Governor Douye Diri indicate that

Niger Delta University Queens will begin the defence of their title at the Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, BDGS, with an encounter against the winner of the tie between Diamond Stars FC and Stardom Life.

The draws also indicate that Enough Academy FC and Seaside Academy FC are to slug it out at the same venue.

Federal University Otuoke Queens, God’s Mercy FC, Bayelsa Stars Queens and Flying Stars FC pitch battle against each other at the Swali centre of the tournament.

According to the fixtures, Kpansia centre will play host to the Police Machine FC, Afini Queens, Crystal Stars FC and Global Queens, while Igbogene Queens, Adaka Queens, Bayelsa State College Of Nursing Science, BYSCONS Queens, Niger Delta Queens and Golden Sun Sports Club of Yenagoa will battle for quarter final tickets at the Tombia centre.

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs Grace Alagoa, commended the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe and his team for their dedication and commitment to the development of sports in the state.

According to her, the tournament would help to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the state-owned team, Bayelsa Queens, over the years, urging the various participating teams to be professional in their conduct throughout the tournament.

In his remarks, the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, said women’s football is gradually getting its needed attention, appreciating the Ministry of Sports Development for the continuous collaboration to achieve its aims.

He hinted that the tournament organizers are working hand in gloves with the Board of the Nigeria Women’s Football League NWFL, and also partnering the NWFL for coaches to be trained as well as identifying good female players from the state.

The DG explained that one of its sponsors, Ama-ebi Consultants Ltd, has pledged a logistic support of twenty thousand naira to each of the registered female teams.

While commending the women’s tournament sub-committee led by seasoned broadcaster, Mr. Ebi Avi for the show of dexterity, Mr Akpe lauded the governor, Senator Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for their unwavering love for sports.

Chairman of the women’s tournament, Mr. Ebi Avi in an interview with journalists, advised all the registered teams to abide by the rules and regulations of the tournament, stating conducts that would alter the realization of the aims and objectives of the competition would not be tolerated.