The stage is now set for the kickoff of the female version of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta — the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup — with 27 teams vying for the ₦10 million prize money.
The draws, conducted by Governor Douye Diri immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025, revealed that Niger Delta University Queens will begin the defense of their title at Bishop Dimieari Grammar School (BDGS) with a fixture against the winner of the tie between Diamond Stars FC and Stardom Life FC.
Ezuogha Academy FC and Seaside Academy FC were also drawn to compete at the same venue.
At the Swali Centre, Federal University Otuoke Queens, God’s Mercy FC, Bayelsa Stars Queens, Orukaribai Queens, and Flying Stars FC will lock horns in a highly anticipated battle for advancement.
The Kpansia Centre will host matches involving Police Machine FC, Afini Queens, Crystal Stars FC, and Global Queens, while Igbogene Queens, Adaka Queens, Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences (BYSCONS Queens), Niger Delta Queens, and Golden Sun Sports Club of Yenagoa will clash for quarter-final slots at the Tombia Centre.
The dates for the preliminary round of matches in the women’s tournament will be announced in due course.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Grace Alagoa, who witnessed the draws, commended the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, and his team for their unwavering dedication to grassroots sports, especially football, in the state.
She remarked that the state has not experienced such a revolutionary approach to sports development in the last decade. According to her, the introduction of the women’s version of the tournament underscores the Prosperity Administration’s deep commitment to advancing sports.
Mrs. Alagoa praised the DG and his team for easing the Ministry’s organizational burden, stating that the women’s tournament has given grassroots women’s football a new direction. She further expressed hope that the tournament would consolidate the achievements of Bayelsa Queens, the state’s flagship female team, over the years. She encouraged participating teams to maintain professionalism throughout the tournament.
In his remarks, Mr. Ono Akpe said women’s football is steadily gaining the attention it deserves. He appreciated the Ministry of Sports Development for its continued collaboration and revealed that the tournament organizers are partnering with the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) to train coaches and scout talented female players across the state.
Mr. Akpe also announced that one of the sponsors, Ama-Ebi Consultants Ltd, has pledged logistical support of ₦20,000 for each registered female team.
While commending the women’s tournament sub-committee, led by seasoned broadcaster Mr. Ebi Avi, for their expertise and commitment, Mr. Akpe also lauded Governor Senator Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, for their consistent support of sports development in Bayelsa.
Mr. Ebi Avi, Chairman of the Women’s Tournament, advised all registered teams to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the competition, emphasizing that any conduct contrary to the spirit and objectives of the tournament would not be tolerated. He expressed delight at the growing popularity of the competition, noting that the increase in prize money has significantly contributed to the rising interest and participation.
