…Yenagoa to host 16 matches on match Day One…
By Hananeel Jackson
Hostilities will commence this weekend in the Bayelsa State Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup across the 24 centres in the State.
Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri last week took the symbolic kick-off, of this year’s spectacle at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa as Bayelsa United Feeders beat defending champions EGM FC by a lone goal.
214 teams and 5350 players will be jostling for the 11 million naira price money for the showpiece starting from Sunday 11th June, 2023.
Defending champions Eternal Grace Ministry EGM FC will begin their title defence against Faith Comprehensive School of Okutukutu by 1pm at the Opolo Center, while Rose of Sharon Ekeki will take on God’s Glory Ministries at 3pm both on Monday.
Bayelsa United Feeders on Tuesday will entertain Salvation Favour Assembly at the Ogboloma Center by 1pm. Bayelsa State School of Midwifery will face Grace Chapel of Agudama by 3pm as Yenizue-Gene United FC tackles Eleven Planet FC Okutukutu at 3pm in Tombia.
The opening fixtures in matchday one will see Kpansia FC play against Kadion Glamourous School by 1pm, while match 2 will have Akaba Town II Dynamics lock horns with Ogbo United,l Ikibiri by 3pm at the BDGS Center. Prime Wash FC at the Kpansia centre battle Ogbolo FC of Ogu at 1pm while Azikoro FC and St Patrick’s Church will lock horns in the second match.
From the fixtures we have in the Ogbia Centre, New Evangel FC welcoming Oruma FC, as Golden Stars FC of Ogbia tackles Newcastle FC at 3pm. At the Imiringi Centre, Vincent Azipapu Anyama FC will square off with God’s Promise FC Otuedu by 3pm while first match of the day will see Okodi FC in action against Ologi FC.
In a related development, organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa State Governor’s Football Tournament tagged Prosperity Cup, have charged players and officials to show good conduct and morals during the competition.
Director-General of the Bayelsa State Governor’s Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, in a statement, said he was elated with the outpouring of encomiums from stakeholders in the state, saying the acceptance of the tournament has shown that this year’s edition will be great.
He urged corporate organisations in Bayelsa to support this tournament, which has helped nurture the youths of the state to greater heights. Expressing his gratitude, he said, “I want to thank Linkage Assurance, Century Group, Swiss Royal Grill, ,Aqualina Water for their support.” He also thanked other interested partners like NCDMB, Ayalla Water, FIDO Water, Premuim Trust, and Sterling Banks for their interest so far and hoped to see fruits of this interest soon.
“We look forward to more support from other corporate gaints like the Oil Companies, Banks and others who operate in the state.” Mr Ono remarked.
He charged coaches and players to be professional and civil and also embrace the spirit of sportsmanship as the tournament has always promoted peace in Bayelsa State.
He thanked the Governor Senator Douye Diri and his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as well as the Commissioner of Sports, Daniel Igali for giving the Youths the platform to showcase their talents.
Ono Akpe closed his statement with this remark, “The Prosperity Government has consistently supported sports and youth development in the state, and this is highly commendable.”
