Ezuogha Soccer Academy and Afini Ladies, both from Yenagoa, have qualified for the final of the women’s edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup.
In the first semi-final match, held at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Ezuogha Soccer Academy secured a hard-fought victory over the underdog Bayelsa Stars Queens, winning by a lone goal to advance to the final after an impressive campaign.
Meanwhile, Afini Ladies delivered a dominant performance against Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences’ BYSCON Queens FC, claiming a resounding 3-0 victory. Last season’s top scorer, Blessing Anderson, opened the scoring for Afini Ladies in the 17th minute with a well-placed strike. Anibrafa Afuluku doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a beautiful finish, igniting wild celebrations among Coach Anthony’s team, who controlled the opening half-hour of the game. Goodness Ejike sealed the victory in the 85th minute, dealing the final blow to BYSCON Queens FC and securing Afini Ladies’ place in the final.
Bayelsa Stars Queens will now face BYSCON Queens FC in the third-place match on Friday at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the women’s tournament, Mr. Ebi Avi, expressed optimism about the future of women’s football in Bayelsa, emphasizing that the quality of play displayed by the girls is a testament to the growing potential of Nigerian women’s football.
Mr. Avi also voiced confidence in the emerging talents at the tournament, stating that they would soon rise to become superstars representing the nation.
A jubilant Afini Ladies’ coach, Anthony, attributed his team’s success to hard work and expressed optimism about lifting the trophy.
Despite the defeat, the BYSCON Queens FC coach remained positive, acknowledging his team’s efforts and shifting focus to the third-place match on Friday. He also commended the tournament organizers for their remarkable efforts in advancing women’s football in Bayelsa State.
