After weeks of captivating football in 26 centres across Bayelsa State, the Governor’s Football Tournament—known as the Prosperity Cup—concluded on Friday with Afini Ladies Football Club of Amarata, Yenagoa, and External Grace Ministry FC emerging champions in the female and male categories, respectively.

In a dramatic final, Afini Ladies overcame Ezuogha Academy in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Similarly, EGM FC triumphed over Advance Dream Football Academy 3-2 on penalties following a goalless encounter in the men’s final.

The victorious teams were awarded a combined prize of N15 million. The male champions received the golden trophy and N10 million, while the female champions took home N5 million and the golden cup, presented by State Deputy Governor Senator Douye Diri and NWFL chairperson Nkechi Obi.

Governor Diri, who had flagged off this year’s edition in February, described the tournament—featuring 231 male and 20 female teams—as the most impressive to date. Speaking at the closing ceremony, he projected that Bayelsa could soon become Nigeria’s leading sports state, backed by investment in youth development and infrastructure.
He cited the construction of a 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard stadium and said the Commissioner for Sports had been directed to bid for hosting rights of the 2028 National Sports Festival.

“We want to be number one in sports in Nigeria,” Diri said. “Football keeps our youths happy.” He also celebrated the inclusion and expansion of the female category in this year’s tournament.

The governor acknowledged key partners—including the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, Nigerian National League, and the Nigerian Women Football League—as well as sponsors such as Premium Trust Bank, which donated a Coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens, 2024/25 female league champions.

Commendations poured in from dignitaries. Former Edo Deputy Governor and current NIS Director-General, Hon. Phillip Shaibu, praised Diri’s commitment to sports as a contributor to national GDP. NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau applauded the tournament’s progress and pledged continued support.

Commissioner for Sports Daniel Igali described the Prosperity Cup as the nation’s top grassroots football platform, while Tournament Director-General Ono Akpe noted interest from international scouts observing player talent.

NWFL chairperson Nkechi Obi presented the league trophy to Bayelsa Queens.
The event drew a host of football personalities, including NNL Chairman George Aluo; NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen; former Super Eagles player and coach Samson Siasia; Bayelsa United coach Ladan Bosso; and Coaches Monday Odigie and Kennedy Boboye.