Yenagoa—The organizers of the Bayelsa State Governor’s football tournament tagged ‘Prosperity Cup’ have commended the state government for sponsoring the country’s biggest grassroots football tournament.
They also commended the state governor for graciously approving a youth team to compete in the Africa Youth Cup holding in Cape Verde later this year.
The organizers in a statement signed by the Director-General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe saluted the governor’s foresight in sports development and massive support for the tournament.
According to the statement, the final of the 2023 edition of the prosperity cup was watched by the leadership of the nation’s football community led by the Chairman of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusua, Chairman of the Nigeria National League, George Aluo, Head of NFF’s Technical Committee, Austin Eguavoen amongst other bigwigs was a testament of the great skills that abound in Bayelsa.
The statement noted that the competition in the last few years has produced players who are currently plying their trade in Europe and other top national teams.
It stated that the prosperity administration has brought hope to youths in Bayelsa.
The organizers also congratulated this year’s champions, Crusaders Feeders FC of Peretorugbene, the winners of the maiden women’s championship of the prosperity cup, Golden Sun Sports Club, and champions of the Para Soccer Exhibition match, Leave Am for Me FC and all the teams that participated for making the tournament a memorable one.
The organizers appreciated Governor Diri, his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali for prioritizing sports in Bayelsa State.
The statement equally appreciated partners and sponsors for their involvement in the tournament, especially Linkage Assurance PLC, Sterling Bank, Bayelsa Board of Internal Revenue, Swiss Royal Grill and Ayalla Waters for their support.
Also appreciated we’re Lady Didi Walson Jack, Etonye Richie, Doubara Okomoko, Commissioner for Works, Surveyour Moses Teibowei amongst others.
The statement further noted that preparations for the African Youth Championship in Cape Verde have commenced in earnest with over 60 players participating in the screening and trials in the last three weeks at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
They also applauded the governor for having faith in the youths of Bayelsa.
The statement expressed optimism that the youngsters will make the state proud in the prestigious African Youth Championship in Cape Verde by bringing home the trophy, having finished 3rd in their maiden appearance in 2018.
“The belief and support shown by the State Governor H.E. Senator Douye Diri is quite encouraging. From his support of Africa’s Largest Grassroot Football Tournament, Prosperity Cup, to the introduction of the female edition and also the para-soccer the tournament is indeed a pointer to the huge confidence the Governor has for our youths. This is indeed gratifying,” the statement added.
They also commended the Governor’s pledge to build 10 football fields across the state.
“This indeed is a huge blessing for the youths and entire citizens of the state.
“This shows that he is in touch with the grassroots because this has been the cry of the youths of Bayelsa, and with this in place, next year’s tournament would be very great.”
