Bayelsa Eyes Top Spot in Nigerian Sports..

Yenogoa,Bayelsa State – Bayelsa State is poised to become Nigeria’s leading state in sports, according to Governor Senator Douye Diri, who on Friday announced plans to bid for the hosting rights of the 2028 National Sports Festival.

This declaration came during the thrilling final of the 2025 Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, the Prosperity Cup, held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.

Governor Diri’s ambitious vision is underpinned by his administration’s significant investment in youth development and state-of-the-art sports infrastructure. This commitment has already yielded remarkable results, with Bayelsa emerging second in the last two editions of the National Sports Festival (Delta 2022 and Ogun 2024) and clinching the championship title at the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival in April this year.

“We will continue to invest in youths through sports development. That is why we are building a 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard stadium,” Governor Diri stated, emphasizing the state’s determination. He further revealed that the new stadium is expected to be completed within two years, a crucial step towards hosting a major national event like the National Sports Festival.

The Governor expressed his delight at the expanded scope of the Prosperity Cup, which now includes female football, with increased prize money. This aligns with his administration’s “Assured Prosperity Agenda” to ensure no youth is left behind in development initiatives.

The event garnered commendations from key figures in Nigerian sports. Hon. Phillip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State and Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, lauded Governor Diri’s dedication to sports, highlighting its crucial role not just as a social activity but also as a significant contributor to state and national GDP.

Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), praised the sustained improvement of the Prosperity Cup, which he has witnessed for three consecutive finals. He assured Governor Diri of NFF’s continued support and urged other governors to emulate Bayelsa’s commitment to youth engagement and empowerment through football.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, described the Prosperity Cup as Nigeria’s premier youth football competition, underscoring the remarkable progress in sports development under the Diri administration.

Mr. Ono Akpe, Director-General of the Prosperity Cup, reported that this edition saw participation from 231 male and 20 female teams, with foreign football agents already showing keen interest in discovered talents.

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The grand finale, witnessed by a capacity crowd, saw Eternal Grace Ministries of Yenagoa defeat Advanced Dreams Academy 3-2 on penalties after a goalless regulation time to claim the male category prize of N10 million, while Advanced Dreams Academy received N5 million. In the female category, Afini Ladies triumphed, earning N5 million, with runners-up Ezougha Football Academy receiving N2.5 million. Notably, NWFL chairperson, Nkechi Obi, also presented the league trophy to Bayelsa Queens, champions of the 2024/2025 female league, who secured their 6th NWFL Premiership title after a dominant campaign, including a 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels in the Super Six playoffs.

The event was graced by a host of dignitaries, including Dr. Gloria Diri, wife of the Governor; Senator Benson Friday Konbowei; House of Representatives members Dr. Mitema Obordor and Mrs. Marie Ebikake; Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim (who donated a new Coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens); Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; and members of the state executive council. Also in attendance were prominent football personalities such as NNL Chairman George Aluo, NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia, Ladan Bosso, Coaches Monday Odigie, and Kennedy Boboye.