Egba, Ndiomu-Brown Praise Governor Diri and Tournament Organizers
The women’s edition of Nigeria’s premier grassroots football competition, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament—popularly known as the “Prosperity Cup”—has kicked off in spectacular fashion, with God’s Mercy City FC and Ezuogha Academy making strong early statements.
In one of the tournament’s opening matches at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa-based Ezuogha Academy delivered a ruthless performance, thrashing Diamond Stars of Ayama-Ijaw from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in an 8-0 demolition.
The match started on an exciting note, but Ezuogha Academy quickly asserted their dominance over their opponents. Peculiar John was unstoppable, netting four goals, while young and energetic midfielder Princess Numulayefa secured a hat-trick. Flying winger Finine Doubrah added the final touch with a brilliant solo effort, sealing the emphatic victory for Ezuogha Academy.
Earlier, in the opening fixture of the women’s tournament at the same venue, God’s Mercy City FC cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Federal University of Otuoke FC. Captain Pere Richard was fouled in the box after a dazzling display of skill, prompting referee Rachael Onyekwere to point to the spot without hesitation.
Precious John stepped up confidently to send the Federal University of Otuoke goalkeeper the wrong way, securing her place on the scoresheet. Substitute Asumagha Judith made an immediate impact just two minutes into the second half, sealing the win for God’s Mercy City FC.
The scoreline could have been even more lopsided if not for the heroics of Federal University of Otuoke’s goalkeeper, Mitchell Edonkumoh, whose valiant efforts kept the score respectable.
Speaking after the match, Ezuogha Academy’s coach, Akren Beauty, praised her team for their determination and commitment, emphasizing that every match is crucial for their campaign.
Despite the heavy defeat, Diamond Stars coach Daniel Seimiesin found positives in his team’s performance, noting that the competition has exposed the players to high-quality teams and playing conditions. He emphasized that beyond chasing trophies and prize money, their participation aligns with Governor Douye Diri’s vision of positively engaging the youth through sports.
In separate interviews, Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba, representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and Hon. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, representing Sagbama Constituency 3, applauded the tournament organizers.
Hon. Egba, who took the ceremonial kickoff of the second match, expressed her delight at the inclusion of a women’s category in the Prosperity Cup, stating her confidence that future national team players would emerge from the competition.
Hon. Ndiomu-Brown reinforced Bayelsa’s reputation as Nigeria’s stronghold for female football, praising Governor Diri’s commitment to sports development and its impact on providing young athletes with meaningful opportunities to thrive.
Tournament action resumes on Friday at the Kpansia center, where Igbogene Starlight will face Akeddei Queens at 3:00 p.m., followed by a clash between Police Machine FC and Jerry Queens at 4:30 p.m.
