Prosperity Cup 2023: Crusaders Feeders FC Reaches Bayelsa Governor’s Semi Final

Crusaders Feeders FC of Peretorugbene on Monday joined Agbere, Dream Boys of Odi and De Grace FC to reach the money spinning stage of Bayelsa State Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.

Crusaders Feeders FC beat youthful and energetic Bayelsa United Feeders FC 2-1 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in a game watched by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development Chief Daniel Igali.

Anthony Moses put Crusaders Feeders FC ahead on 58 minute from a well connected pass to beat Bayelsa United Feeders FC goalkeeper Preye Rufus, having kept a clean sheet in the first half.

Bayelsa United Feeders FC on 30 minute almost got the opener from Igbigi Saviour right-footed cross but Randy Chairman’s effort was cleared by Bomo Wilfred whose defence line was kept busy by the youthful side.

Crusaders Feeders FC talisman Junior Christopher just before the half time mark had an opportunity to put the Peretorugbene based side in front but the composed Bayelsa United Feeders side were able to avert the danger.

Apparently not satisfied with the scoreline having conceded 14 minutes into the second half John Aranka introduced Ojegbare Ebitimi, Marcus Esaiehomoh for Ebikina Ebomo and Dabrika Oyingpreye in place of Atie Joseph.

The young Prosperity Boys continued to mount pressure on Crusaders Feeders FC as it paid off on 78 minute when Weke David handled the ball in his danger zone as the centre referee Telimo Tarimobowei Super awarded a penalty to Bayelsa United Feeders Fc. Onoro Joshua stepped forward to send Crusaders Feeders FC shot stopper Gbansele Gas the wrong way.

In what could be described as the highlight of the game substitute Okidi Godspower on 87 sealed the victory for Crusaders Feeders FC with a bicycle kick when it seemed the electrifying encounter was going into a shootout to send the jubilant Peretoru fans into celebration.

The semi final fixture for the biggest grassroots football showpiece in Nigeria will continue on Wednesday and Thursday at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

Hard fighting Agbere FC of Sagbama will take on Crusaders Feeders FC on Thursday at 3pm while De Grace FC confronts Dream Boys FC of Odi on Wednesday by 3pm.

In a post match interview, Crusaders Feeders FC coach Genesis Suomokumo, said he was happy to book a ticket to the semi finals describing his opponent as a good team.

He thanked the Prosperity administration and the organisers of the tournament for giving youths the platform to showcase their talents to the world, stressing that his aim at the moment is to win the trophy.

Despite the defeat, coach of Bayelsa United Feeders FC John Aranka believes that the future is bright for the young Prosperity Boys, stating that the lads gave a good account of themselves.

He appreciated the management of the club for providing  the platform for the boys to compete with their peers.