Bayelsa State continues to bask in the success of Nigeria’s largest grassroots football tournament, the Prosperity Cup, as stakeholders laud the initiative’s impact on sports development and youth empowerment in the region.
The seventh edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, promises an exciting competition with three categories—male, female, and para-soccer—offering a record-breaking prize pool of ₦50 million for the winners.
Stakeholders have commended Governor Douye Diri for broadening the tournament to include women and para-soccer players. Dr. Kola Oredipe, Director of New Media to the governor, emphasized that the tournament aligns with the administration’s “ASSURED” mantra, underscoring the governor’s unwavering commitment to sports.
“This tournament has significantly contributed to football in Nigeria, giving youths in Bayelsa State a platform to showcase their talent,” said Dr. Oredipe.
Tournament Director, Mr. Perela Aboroson, highlighted the tournament’s transformative impact on Bayelsa’s youth. “Beyond trophies, the Prosperity Cup has given players a livelihood,” he said, noting that five players from the scouting program will soon depart for professional stints in Lithuania, Malta, and Turkey.
Reflecting on the tournament’s previous success, Mr. Aboroson predicted an unprecedented turnout and enthusiasm this year, attributing it to the ₦50 million prize pool.
Former international player Jossy Dombraye described the Prosperity Cup as a world-class event, praising the prize money as evidence of Governor Diri’s deliberate efforts to make Bayelsa a sports hub.
Bayelsa United’s Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso, echoed these sentiments, adding that the tournament serves as a vital scouting ground for local talent. He noted a decline in crime during the tournament’s duration, as youth engagement through sports remains a key focus.
“The increased prize money for the women’s competition will drive greater interest in women’s football, building on Bayelsa Queens’ achievements,” Bosso said.
Ambassador Miebi Ogunu, President of the Independent Grassroots Development Association of Nigeria (IGDA), described the Prosperity Cup as a “blessing to the nation” and urged multinational companies, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders to support the initiative.
With its growing stature and prize incentives, the Prosperity Cup continues to unite communities, empower young talents, and position Bayelsa State as a beacon of sports excellence in Nigeria.
