Prosperity Cup Kicks Off: Nembe FC, Okoroba FC Advance In Bayelsa Tournament

By Eunice Nnachi

The seventh season of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, the Prosperity Cup, kicked off over the weekend with exciting preliminary round matches in Brass and Nembe Local Government Areas.

The tournament, which features a record 231 teams, highlights the state’s vibrant grassroots football scene.

On Sunday, Nembe City Stadium was alive with action. Nembe FC dominated their match against Fantuo FC, winning comfortably 2-0. Jackson Idubamo and Clement Bruno scored goals in each half to secure the victory and advance Nembe FC to the next round. Bruno, brimming with confidence after the match, declared his team’s desire to win the trophy and the accompanying prize money.

The stadium also hosted a thrilling match between Okoroba FC and Etie FC. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the match was decided on penalties, with Okoroba FC winning 7-6. Etie FC took the lead in the 57th minute thanks to a long-range strike from Samuel David, but Benjamin Okatubo equalised with a penalty in the 88th minute. Ekwere Itoro, Okoroba FC’s coach, credited his team’s determination and commitment for their hard-fought victory, but expressed slight disappointment that they did not win within regulation time.

Meanwhile, in the Brass Local Government Area, Sangana FC defeated Blue Sea Strikers 2-0 at the Sangana Centre on Saturday, with Bayelsa State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere officiating the match. Substitute George Super stole the show, scoring twice in the 66th and 77th minutes to ensure his team’s progression. Kamatoru FC defeated Ogidi United 2-0 in their second match at the same venue.

The tournament was officially launched last month at Yenagoa’s Samson Siasia Stadium by Governor Douye Diri.

The Prosperity Cup remains an important platform for promoting grassroots football, developing talent, and engaging local communities throughout Bayelsa State.

The tournament will move to the Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas this weekend, promising more exciting matches as the competition heats up.