The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the “Prosperity Cup,” season six, may have concluded, but the sweet memories of champions Ogboinbiri FC of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area remain fresh in the minds of football enthusiasts nationwide.
The Journey of the Prosperity Cup
According to renowned philosopher Albert Cullum Aesop, “Good things come in small packages.” This sentiment rings true for the Prosperity Cup, which began in 2015 with 106 teams, initially known as the Restoration Cup. Today, it stands as Nigeria’s largest grassroots soccer competition, featuring over 200 teams.
Champions of the Sixth Edition
Last year, Ogboinbiri FC emerged as champions of the 6th edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle. The oil-rich Ogboinbiri side defeated Nembe City FC 3-0 in a final match watched by the then Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, and the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau.
Historical Champions
Ogboinbiri FC joins the esteemed ranks of Ewo-ama FC of Brass (2015), Peretorugbene FC of Ekeremor (2018), and Okolobiri FC (2019/2020). After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition returned in 2022 with Eternal Grace Ministry EGM FC emerging as champions.
In 2023, Krusaders Feeders FC of Ekeremor claimed the title by defeating De Grace FC of Yenagoa 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Impact and Community Engagement
Beyond the excitement of competition and trophy wins, the Prosperity Cup has positively engaged the youths of Bayelsa, fostering unity among grassroots players, coaches, and communities throughout the state.
Path to Victory
Ogboinbiri FC qualified from the Amassoma center, dominating their opponents in the preliminary rounds. They triumphed as Local Government champions, defeating Adulama FC 2-0 in the final at the Southern Ijaw headquarters in Oporoma.
In the quarterfinals, champions Ogboinbiri FC overcame a goal deficit to beat Wodu FC, who had previously ended Mover’s FC of Otuasega’s participation in the 2024 Prosperity Cup at the Nembe City Stadium by a score of 3-1.
Ogboinbiri FC then edged out Bayelsa United Feeders 1-0 in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Nembe City FC secured their spot in the final by defeating Kongho FC of Brass LGA 1-0.
Local Government Finals
For the first time, the Prosperity Cup witnessed local government finals:
- Ogbia LGA: Mover’s FC of Otuasega defeated Anyama FC 2-1 to become Ogbia champions.
- Southern Ijaw LGA: Ogboinbiri FC triumphed over Adulama to lift the LGA trophy in Oporoma town.
- Yenagoa LGA: Bayelsa Medical University BMU FC beat Afini FC 2-1 to emerge as local government champions.
- Sagbama LGA: Agbere FC overcame Bayelsa United Feeders 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw.
- Nembe LGA: Kongho United, Nembe City, Odi United, and Krusaders Feeder FC emerged as champions.
Women’s and Para Soccer Categories
Niger Delta University NDU Queens claimed the title in the women’s category, with Peremo Soccer Academy and Afini Ladies securing second and third place, respectively. In the Para Soccer category, Leave Am For Me FC emerged victorious.
Looking Ahead to Season Seven
The 7th edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle will feature three categories: male, female, and para. The prize money has been increased from N20 million to N50 million this year!
- Male Category: The best team will win N10 million, with first, second, and third runners-up receiving N5 million, N2.5 million, and N1.5 million respectively. An additional N1 million has been set aside for consolation prizes, totaling N20 million.
- Female Category: The winners will receive N5 million, with second and third place earning N2.5 million and N1.5 million respectively. Fourth place will get N500,000, with another N500,000 available for consolation prizes.
- Para Category: N3 million has been allocated as prize money.
Registration and Participation
Registration forms are currently available for N25,000 for the male category and N15,000 for the female category. Champions at the local government level will receive N1 million, while runners-up will receive N500,000.
