The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, has remained the bedrock of grassroots football development in Bayelsa over the past seven years.
This prestigious tournament has provided a stage for young players to showcase their talents, secure professional contracts, and launch their careers at both national and international levels. From local fields in Bayelsa to stadiums across Nigeria and beyond, the Prosperity Cup has produced exceptional footballers, some now playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and foreign clubs.
Rising Stars from the Prosperity Cup
Among the latest success stories from the tournament is Precious Benjamin, a gifted attacker discovered during Season Five, while playing for Dream Football Academy—now called Advance Dreams FA.
Benjamin was the standout performer, capturing the hearts of fans and scouts alike. His dazzling skills earned him an invitation to the SPOCS scouting programme in Remo, Ogun State, followed by participation in the 3rd Douye Diri International Scouting Tournament in Yenagoa. After impressing in the Gambian League, he later secured a move to German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim, marking another milestone for the Prosperity Cup’s legacy.
The Trailblazers of the Tournament
One of the early legends of the Prosperity Cup is Okardi Inikurogha, who led Ewo-ama FC (Brass LGA) to victory in the inaugural edition in 2015, emerging as the Most Valuable Player (MVP). His stellar performance secured him a contract with Bayelsa United, where he later played a key role in their Aiteo Cup triumph in 2021 in Benin City, Edo State.
Similarly, Robert Mizo made his mark in the 2015 edition, formerly known as the Restoration Cup. He scored double hat-tricks against Bayelsa State College of Education, Otuasega, though his team was eliminated in the next round by Emeyal 2 FC. Today, Mizo leads Bayelsa United as their captain.
The tournament has also produced Bayelsa United stars, including Gabriel Biriduba, Tarabina Bweribo, and Emo James, who were signed in 2017, following their victory with Peretrogbene FC (Ekeremor LGA).
Last year, Rivers United, one of Nigeria’s elite clubs, secured the services of Handsome Surveyor from Crusaders FC (Peretrogbene) during the Governor Douye Diri Pre-Season Tournament in Yenagoa.
Expanding the Legacy Beyond Nigeria
The Prosperity Cup has not only fueled NPFL clubs but has also exported talents abroad. Among the notable foreign-based graduates of the tournament are:
✅ Joel Izibevie Nestor – Currently playing in Bosnia.
✅ Prince Court – Had a stint in Latvia.
✅ Egah Saviour – Featured for a Moroccan side.
Additionally, players such as Endurance Ebedebiri, Saro Loveday, Ayiba Edwin, Akpos Godbless, Junior Christopher, and John Bassey moved from Odioma FC, a coastal team from Brass LGA, to Bayelsa United.
Meanwhile, current NPFL champions, Remo Stars of Ikenne, also boast a Prosperity Cup alumnus, Oyowa Alex, who featured in the 2018 and 2019 editions with Okodia FC. His journey took him from Bayelsa United to Rivers United, before landing at Remo Stars, where he recently won the NPFL title.
Conclusion: A Tournament of Endless Possibilities
With every edition, the Prosperity Cup continues to cement its place as Nigeria’s largest grassroots football tournament, shaping the careers of young players and providing an avenue for global opportunities.
As Bayelsa State nurtures the next generation of football stars, the Prosperity Cup remains a symbol of hope, proving that talent, opportunity, and determination can turn dreams into reality.
