The 2025 Bayelsa Governor’s Cup, dubbed the Prosperity Cup, is set to deliver a heart-pounding final at Samson Siasia Stadium on Friday, June 13, 2025.
The tournament celebrated as Nigeria’s premier grassroots football tournament has generated widespread excitement across the state.
The tournament saw 231 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams compete across 26 community fields in eight local government areas, producing 224 matches and 537 goals, averaging 2.4 per game.
Speaking with newsmen at Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Ono Akpe highlighted the tournament’s transformative impact.
“We’ve redefined grassroots football in Nigeria,” he declared, crediting the Prosperity Cup with elevating the state’s football scene.
The Director General of the tournament noted that Friday’s finals would kick off at 1 p.m. with Ezougha FC facing Afini Ladies FC in a high-stakes women’s clash, followed by EGM FC taking on Advance Dreams FA at 3 p.m. for the men’s title.
He said, “On Thursday, third-place matches will feature Bayelsa Stars Queens FC against BYSCON FC at 1 p.m., and Bayelsa United Feeders versus Crusaders FC at 3 p.m.”
According to Ono Akpe, a N50 million prize pool awaits, with N10 million for the men’s champions and N5 million for the women’s winners.
The Director General underscored the tournament’s role as a talent hub, with 37 players scouted for potential national and international opportunities.
“We’re creating pathways to global football,” Ono Akpe said, citing a proposed training tour with the U-17 national team.
He emphasised that the stringent scouting process ensures only top talents progress.
Ono Akpe also stressed the Prosperity Cup’s community-building impact. “Football unites Bayelsa’s diverse regions,” he remarked. Local government finals crowned champions like Sangana FC in Brass and Crusaders FC in Ekeremor, fueling regional pride.
The Director General announced that the finals would draw high-profile attendees, including Governor Douye Diri, who cut short an international trip, alongside NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.
He said: “Their presence amplifies the event’s prestige, Premium Trust Bank will donate a bus to Bayelsa United, and the Bayelsa Queens will display their Super Six trophy, enhancing the occasion’s grandeur.”
Ono Akpe credited robust partnerships for the tournament’s success, particularly with Premium Trust Bank.
He stated that “Their support underpins the prize money and logistics. The event has also attracted football figures like Augustine Eguavoen, who may scout talent during a planned practice match.”
According to the DG, the Prosperity Cup was a launchpad for young talent, exemplified by Precious Benjamin, a former participant now excelling with Gambia’s FC Haffing and the U-20 national team.
“We’re nurturing Nigeria’s future stars,” Ono Akpe affirmed, urging continued support to sustain the tournament’s growth.
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