The semi-finals of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament—Prosperity Cup, are now set, with Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene and Youbolobo FC of Agge securing their spots after intense quarter-final clashes.
A Dramatic Quarter-Final Showdown
In a tense battle at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, Youbolobo FC, pulled off a thrilling victory against Advance Dreams FA of Yenagoa, winning 4-3 on penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in regulation time.
- ⚽ John Benidiowei gave Youbolobo FC the lead in the 23rd minute with a clinical finish, keeping the score 1-0 at halftime.
- ⚽ Advance Dreams FA responded with Goodluck Bonazide’s equalizer in the 50th minute, forcing the match into penalties.
- 🥅 Youbolobo held their nerve, converting their spot-kicks to book a historic semi-final spot!
Meanwhile, Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene, former champions, edged out Citiboi FC of Ogbia with a narrow 1-0 victory.
- ⚽ Vincent Great’s 39th-minute strike proved decisive, sending Crusaders FC into the last four after a fiercely contested battle.
Semi-Final Lineup Confirmed
The final four are ready for the ultimate showdown:
🔥 Bayelsa United Feeders (Yenagoa) vs. Youbolobo FC (Agge, Ekeremor LGA)
🔥 Eternal Grace Ministry (EGM FC, Yenagoa) vs. Crusaders FC (Peretorugbene, Ekeremor LGA)
With the ₦50,000,000 prize money on the line, the battle for football supremacy reaches its fever pitch as the teams prepare to clash on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Tournament Director General Reacts
Speaking to reporters, tournament DG, Mr. Ono Akpe, expressed deep pride in the Prosperity Cup’s impact on grassroots football.
- 🎙️ He highlighted the success of Precious Benjamin, whose journey from the Prosperity Cup to the Under-20 AFCON in Egypt underscores the tournament’s role in nurturing elite talent.
- 🎙️ He praised Governor Senator Douye Diri’s commitment to sports development, stating that the investment in Bayelsa football is yielding incredible results.
- 🎙️ He recalled how Benjamin’s move to Gambia’s league was just the beginning of a bigger future, with the player being discovered through scouting tournaments in Remo, Ogun State, and Yenagoa.
Coaches Reflect on Quarter-Final Drama
🏆 Citiboi FC Head Coach, Gomo Onduku, attributed their loss to fatigue, as his players had competed in the Nationwide League One (Uyo, Akwa Ibom State) just days before.
🏆 Crusaders FC Assistant Coach, Newall Ayibabogha, praised his players for their determination, declaring that their target is to reclaim the Prosperity Cup title.
