The stage is now set for the kick off of the Female version of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup, with Twenty seven teams vying for the ten million naira prize money at stake.
In the draws which was performed by Governor Douye Diri immediately after the weekly Prosperity walk at the Samson Siasia Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025, Niger Delta University Queens will begin the defence of their trophy at the Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, BDGS with an encounter against the winner of the tie between Diamond Stars FC and Stardom Life.
Ezuogha Academy FC and Seaside Academy FC were also drawn to compete at the same venue.
The Swali centre will see the Federal University, Otuoke Queens, God’s Mercy FC, Bayelsa Stars Queens, Orukaribai Queens and Flying Stars FC pitch battle against each other.
The Kpansia centre will play host to the Police Machine FC, Afini Queens, Crystal Stars FC and Global Queens, while Igbogene Queens, Adaka Queens, Bayelsa State College Of Nursing Science, BYSCONS Queens, Niger Delta Queens and Golden Sun Sports Club of Yenagoa will battle for quarter final tickets at the Tombia centre..
The dates for the preliminary round of matches in women’s tournament will be announced at a later.
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development Mrs Grace Alagoa, who witnessed the draws, gave thumbs up to the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe and his team for their dedication and commitment to the development of sports, especially football in the state.
According to her, she has never witnessed anything like the current revolution in the sporting sector in the state in the last ten years, stating that the introduction of the women’s version of the tournament was a testament to the Prosperity administration’s passion for sports development.
She noted that the DG and his team have reduced the burden on the ministry in organizing the grassroots tournament in the state, pointing out that the advent of the women’s tournament has given women’s football at the grassroots level a new direction.
Mrs. Alagoa noted that the tournament would help to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the state-owned team, Bayelsa Queens over the years, urging the various participating teams to be professional in their conduct throughout the tournament.
In his remarks, the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe said women’s football is gradually getting its needed attention, appreciating the Ministry of Sports Development for the continuous collaboration to achieve its aim.
He hinted that the tournament organizers are working hand in gloves with the Board of the Nigeria Women’s Football League NWFL, and also partnering the NWFL for coaches to be trained as well as identifying good female players from the state.
The DG explained that one of its sponsors, Ama-ebi Consultants Ltd has pledged a logistic support of twenty thousand naira to each of the registered female teams.
While commending the women’s tournament sub-committee led by seasoned broadcaster, Mr. Ebi Avi for the show of dexterity, Mr Akpe lauded the governor, Senator Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for their unwavering love for sports.
Chairman of the women’s tournament, Mr. Ebi Avi in an interview with journalists, advised all the registered teams to abide by the rules and regulations of the tournament, saying that the competition would not entertain any conduct would not project the ideals and objectives of the tournament.
The seasoned broadcaster said he was pleased with the popularity of the showpiece, adding that the increase in the prize money has also played a significant role in attracting greater attention to the competition.
