The battle for local government top honours in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta—the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup—has reached its crucial stages in Ogbia and Yenagoa Local Government Areas.
In the quarter-final matches decided yesterday at the Kpansia playground, 2022 champions Eternal Grace Ministry (EGM FC) thrashed Akenfa FC 6–2 to qualify for the next round of the Yenagoa LGA semi-finals.
In an earlier game at the same venue, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Feeders FC lost 4–3 on penalties to their younger and more energetic opponents, Afini FC, after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Playing at the Bishop Dimieari Grammar School (BDGS) Centre, Bayelsa United Feeders edged past Seaside Academy FC with a lone goal, while Creek Haven defeated Peace FC 1–0 to secure qualification for the LGA semi-finals.
Playoff matches to determine three qualifiers from Yenagoa LGA for the Round of 32 also took place yesterday at the Biogbolo/Yenizue-Gene Centre.
In a thrilling encounter, MFM FC, Okaka, defeated Anyamalem FC 5–4 on penalties after a dramatic 2–2 draw in regulation time. Godday put the Prayer Warriors ahead in the 12th minute, but Anyamalem FC responded eight minutes later through Newman Godbless’ composed finish. Iyanimugha Rudolph restored the lead for MFM FC in the 26th minute, only for Stanley Isaac to level the scores again in the 30th, pushing the game into the uncertainty of penalties.
In the second game at the same venue, Royal Allstars FC booked their Round of 32 ticket with a 4–2 penalty win over Church of God Mission FC following a 1–1 draw in normal time.
Meanwhile, high-scoring Advance Dreams FC pummeled the youthful Corinthians FC 5–1 to keep their dreams of progressing alive in the fiercely contested tournament.
Action continues this afternoon at the Imiringi Centre in Ogbia Local Government Area, where high-flying Citiboi FC will take on Ayalla FC of Okiki at 1:00 p.m. Last season’s Ogbia LGA champions, Movers FC of Otuasega, will face Federal University Otuoke FC at 3:00 p.m. at the same venue.
