The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup, stands as Nigeria’s largest grassroots football competition. Conceived by the Bayelsa State Government and overseen by Red Sapphire, this annual event aims to strengthen interactions among federal, state, and local governments, corporate entities, the youth, and the residents of Bayelsa. The tournament promotes inter-communal engagement, peace, and unity within the state and the broader region. It serves as a platform for developing local football talent, empowering youth, and fostering grassroots development. Managed by a seasoned Local Organizing Committee and sponsored proudly by the Bayelsa State Government, the tournament continues to thrive.
Background
Originally named the Restoration Cup, the Prosperity Cup was introduced during the tenure of former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, with the inaugural edition held in 2015. The first tournament featured 110 teams, including community groups, football academies, religious organizations, and educational institutions. Ewoama FC from Brass emerged victorious, defeating River Ramos FC of Ekeremor in the finals at Nembe City Stadium.
The 2017 edition saw participation from 154 teams. Peretorugbene FC of Ekeremor claimed the title, besting Opu Nembe FC of Nembe in the final at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
In 2018, Okolobiri FC of Yenagoa won the tournament, overcoming Ekeremor FC in the finals at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex. The event, attended by then Minister of Sports Hon. Sunday Dare, featured 160 teams. In April 2019, the Restoration Starlets, a team from the 2018 tournament, competed in the African Youth Cup in Cape Verde, finishing in third place. They also won the 2019 Bayelsa League Cup upon their return.
Prosperity Cup 2022
The 2022 finals were attended by Governor Senator Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, National and State Assembly members, and a large crowd at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex. The 2022 edition featured 210 community-based teams, with Eternal Grace Ministry Football Club (EGM FC) winning the championship by defeating Odioma FC 2-1 in the finals.
This edition marked the first scouting program in the tournament’s history. The event saw participation from notable scouts and football executives, including Mr. Vincent Onyema of Supreme Sports International, Mr. Gregory Paul of Aspire Sports France, Mr. Passi Gerald of Olympique Marseille, Mr. Thembela Lesly of Mamelodi Sundowns, and Mr. Hussein Skenderovic of Newcastle Jets. A second scouting program followed, led by FIFA agent Ojo Paul Omamomo and included Nikita Poliakov and Dmitrii Churkin from FDC Vista Academy, as well as former Plateau United Coach Kennedy Boboye and ex-International Joseph Eyimofe.
Prosperity Cup 2023
The 2023 edition, featuring 214 teams, was highlighted by the attendance of Nigerian Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NNL Chairman George Aluo, and other football officials. The tournament has seen increased scouting activities, with MVP Akpos Godbless and top scorer Junior Christopher signing with Bendel Insurance after being observed by Coach Monday Odigie. Additionally, two teams of 40 players each were sent to international scouting tournaments organized by SPOCS, a German sports firm. Ten players were selected for professional football abroad, with two in the SPOCS Academy in Gambia and three others on the brink of Premier League contracts in England.
Numerous players from the tournament have found success in various clubs across Nigeria and abroad. Notable examples include Christian Mizo, who recently joined Al Hilal in Libya, and AITEO Cup winner Okardi Inikurogha, who won the first tournament edition with Ewoama FC and is now playing in France. Other talents like Nestor Noel and Victory Beniangba have also made their mark internationally.
Prospects for 2024
The 2024 Prosperity Cup will be played across 24 community football fields in all 8 Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. The tournament, spanning 12 weeks from May to July, will feature teams from various communities, with qualifying rounds leading up to the finals at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
Participating Centers
The tournament’s extensive reach includes playing fields in the following centers:
- Yenagoa: BDGS, Opollo, Tombia/Ogboloma, Buseni Zarama
- Ekeremor: Agge, Isampou, Egbema Angalabiri
- Southern Ijaw: Amassoma, Azuzuama, Oporoma
- Sagbama: Sagbama, Ebedebiri, Kolokuma Opukuma, Kaiama, Odi
- Ogbia: Otuasega, Otuokpoti
- Nembe: Nembe City, Okoroma-Tereke
- Brass: Twon Brass, Opukiri-Akassa
Participation and Impact
The 2023 tournament engaged over 13,000 participants, including 210 teams, players, officials, and support staff. The event has significantly contributed to community involvement, local economic boosts, and widespread support.
Media Coverage
The tournament’s success is partly due to robust media support from major Nigerian TV stations and partnerships with AIT, NTA, ARISE TV, STV, Channels TV, and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. This extensive coverage has enhanced the visibility and impact of the tournament.
Looking Ahead
The Prosperity Cup continues to engage Bayelsa’s youth and neighboring regions, reducing crime, developing football talent, and fostering community unity. The goal is to help young players build successful football careers and attract further support for the development of sports facilities in Bayelsa State.
Ono K. Akpe
Director-General
Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament
