Applause for Diri as Afini Ladies, EGM FC win Prosperity Cup titles

After weeks of charming football in 26 centres true via Bayelsa Notify, the Governor’s Soccer Match—is believed as the Prosperity Cup—concluded on Friday with Afini Ladies folk Soccer Club of Amarata, Yenagoa, and External Grace Ministry FC emerging champions in the female and male categories, respectively.

In a dramatic closing, Afini Ladies folk overcame Ezuogha Academy in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 attract law time. In an identical fashion, EGM FC triumphed over Approach Dream Soccer Academy 3-2 on penalties following a goalless encounter in the men’s closing.

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

Governor Diri, who had flagged off this yr’s edition in February, described the event—featuring 231 male and 20 female teams—as essentially the most spectacular to this level. Speaking at the closing ceremony, he projected that Bayelsa may possibly most likely perhaps rapidly change into Nigeria’s main sports reveal, backed by funding in formative years fashion and infrastructure.
He cited the fashion of a 25,000-ability FIFA-now not original stadium and acknowledged the Commissioner for Sports activities had been directed to expose for web web hosting rights of the 2028 Nationwide Sports activities Competition.

“We're trying to be quantity one in sports in Nigeria,” Diri acknowledged. “Soccer keeps our youths overjoyed.” He additionally extraordinary the inclusion and growth of the female class in this yr’s event.

The governor acknowledged key partners—together with the Nationwide Sports activities Price, Nigeria Soccer Federation, Nigerian Nationwide League, and the Nigerian Females Soccer League—besides sponsors comparable to Top class Belief Financial institution, which donated a Coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens, 2024/25 female league champions.

Commendations poured in from dignitaries. Ancient Edo Deputy Governor and recent NIS Director-General, Hon. Phillip Shaibu, praised Diri’s commitment to sports as a contributor to nationwide GDP. NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau applauded the event’s progress and pledged persisted increase.

Commissioner for Sports activities Daniel Igali described the Prosperity Cup because the nation’s prime grassroots football platform, while Match Director-General Ono Akpe extraordinary ardour from global scouts staring at participant skill.

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