Over 100 referees from the Bayelsa State Referees Councilk have completed specialized refresher training to enhance their officiating skills ahead of the eighth edition of the Prosperity Cup, Nigeria’s leading grassroots football tournament, also known as the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament.
The two-day course, held at the Golden Tulip Resort in Onopa, Yenagoa, was organized by the Prosperity Cup committee in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development.
The training combined theoretical sessions on the latest Laws of the Game with practical on-field drills covering positioning, decision-making, match control, and contemporary officiating techniques.
CAF instructor and NFF Referees Committee member Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, who facilitated parts of the training, praised the participants’ enthusiasm and called the initiative “massive” and groundbreaking.
He noted that this is the first time he has seen tournament organizers directly invest in pre-competition referee development on such a scale.“This is the first time I’m witnessing a tournament where the organizers train referees before the competition begins,” Chukwujekwu said.
He emphasized the program’s lasting value, citing Rachel Onyekwere a graduate of an earlier edition who has risen to become one of the state’s leading centre referees.
He credited the tournament’s focus on ongoing training for advancing fair play and officiating quality.CAF instructor and assessor Felicia Chibugwu also commended the organizers, stating that the updated training should deliver noticeably better officiating this season.
She expressed particular delight at seeing children aged 8 to 12 among the participants, adding that the wide-ranging preparation would help reduce on-field controversies.
Participating young referees expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State government and tournament organizers. Kuote Sinivie, 15-year-old Commander Daniela, and 15-year-old Sunny Blessing said the course had equipped them with the most current interpretations of the game’s laws.
Tuomo Clan Gets Micro-Zoned 1st VP Slot as Oyakemeagbegha Intensifies INC Campaign
The program ended with a certificate presentation to all participants. Preparations for the Prosperity Cup continue, with medical personnel training scheduled to start on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
