…As Governor Diri Applauds Premium Trust Bank for Sports Development Commitment…
Football fever reached its peak at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, as Eternal Grace Ministries FC (EGM FC) secured back-to-back Prosperity Cup titles, cementing their legacy in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament—the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament.
Playing before a crowd of over 5,000 enthusiastic fans, EGM FC edged Advance Dreams FA 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout, following a hard-fought 0-0 draw in regulation time.
EGM FC’s Road to Glory
EGM FC came close to breaking the deadlock early, with Don Pedro Samuel nearly converting a golden chance, but Advance Dreams FA’s disciplined defense held firm. Adjustments by Advance Dreams’ coach in the second half added urgency, but neither side found the breakthrough.
In the tense penalty shootout, EGM FC kept their composure, emerging 3-2 victors, making Head Coach Felix Sueze the first coach to win the Prosperity Cup twice (2022 & 2025).
Afini Ladies Rule Women’s Category
Earlier, in the women’s final, youthful Afini Ladies of Amarata displayed resilience, fighting back from a goal down to defeat Ezuogha Soccer Academy 5-3 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. This marks a monumental leap, as Afini Ladies finished third last season but now stand as champions.
Governor Diri’s Vision for Sports in Bayelsa
Declaring the tournament closed, Governor Douye Diri praised the growth of women’s football in Bayelsa, reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment through sports.
“We will continue to invest in the youths through sports development. That is why we are building a world-class stadium in Yenagoa, and we are working hard to ensure its completion in two years.”
He also revealed that Bayelsa State will bid to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, with the new 25,000-capacity stadium serving as a centerpiece.
Appreciation for Sponsors & Call for More Investment
Governor Diri applauded Premium Trust Bank and other sponsors for their contributions, urging international oil companies and the private sector to further invest in sports development.
“Bayelsa State is fully committed to supporting female football. With the talent emerging here, we can export players beyond the state!”
Goodwill Messages & Recognition
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, commended the Governor’s leadership in sports, emphasizing that Bayelsa’s Prosperity Cup has raised the bar for grassroots football.
Similarly, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, and NWFL Chairperson, Nkechi Obi, lauded the state’s dedication to youth development through football.
The Prosperity Cup’s Impact on Bayelsa Football
According to Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, Bayelsa’s outstanding sporting achievements in the last five years are a direct reflection of Governor Diri’s vision.
Tournament Director-General, Mr. Ono Akpe, stressed that the Prosperity Cup continues to serve as a launchpad for grassroots footballers, noting that in 2021, Bayelsa United won the Aiteo Cup with 80% of their squad emerging from this tournament.
He confirmed that selected players from the Prosperity Cup will compete in major pre-season tournaments, including:
✅ Optima Energy Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament (Ogun State)
✅ Eko International Cup Football Tournament (Lagos)
✅ South South Pre-Season Tournament (Aba)
✅ Bayelsa State Pre-Season Tournament
Prize Rewards 💰
- 🏆 Men’s Champions: EGM FC – ₦10,000,000
- 🥈 Advance Dreams FA – ₦5,000,000
- 🥉 Crusaders FC – ₦2,000,000
- 🏅 Bayelsa United (4th Place) – ₦1,000,000
🏆 Women’s Category:
- 🏆 Afini Ladies (Champions) – ₦5,000,000
- 🥈 Ezougha Soccer Academy (Runners-Up) – ₦2,000,000
- 🥉 Bayelsa Stars Queens – ₦1,500,000
- 🏅 BYSCON Queens (4th Place) – ₦1,000,000
Premium Trust Bank Gifts Bayelsa Queens a Bus
In a major highlight, Premium Trust Bank presented a new coaster bus to the NWFL Champions, Bayelsa Queens, ensuring smoother transportation for the upcoming league season.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The grand occasion was graced by:
🎗️ Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri, Wife of the Governor
🎗️ Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly
🎗️ Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Secretary to the State Government
🎗️ Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, MD, Premium Trust Bank
🎗️ Austin Eguavoen, NFF Technical Director
🎗️ George Aluo, Chairman, Nigeria National League (NNL)
🎗️ Marie Ebikake & Mitema Obordor, House of Representatives Members
Closing Thoughts
The Prosperity Cup 2025 delivered high-energy football, historic victories, and renewed hope for Bayelsa’s sporting future. With EGM FC’s dominance, Afini Ladies’ rise, and the state’s ambitious stadium plans, Bayelsa is fast becoming a powerhouse of Nigerian football!
