Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Eternal Grace Ministry (EGM) emerged Champions of the Yenagoa Local Government Area finals of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Christen the Prosperity Cup, defeating Bayelsa United Feeders 2-1 on Saturday in a thrilling showdown at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The 2022 Prosperity Cup winners, EGM FC, took the lead in the 33rd minute with a sharp finish from Godknows Ikpe, electrifying the crowd, which included Yenagoa LGA Chairman Hon. Bulodiseye Ndiwari, Tournament Director General Mr. Ono Akpe, and other officials.
Bayelsa United Feeders responded in the 55th minute, as Stanley Amon capitalized on a goalkeeper’s mistake to equalize.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Pedro Samuel’s goal secured a 2-1 win for EGM FC, earning them the N1,000,000 prize, while Bayelsa United Feeders received N500,000.
Hon. Ndiwari, accompanied by his wife, commended both teams for their stellar performances and praised Governor Senator Douye Diri and organizers for the tournament’s global reach.
Highlighting its impact on reducing youth crime in Bayelsa, he announced additional cash rewards of N500,000 for EGM FC and N300,000 for Bayelsa United Feeders, pledging N1,000,000 to support either team if they advance to the final.
Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe expressed delight at the match’s quality, noting the competition’s rising standards.
He celebrated the success of tournament product Benjamin Precious at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt and outlined a scouting program for 15- to 20-year-old talents, with Nigerian coaches expected at the final stages. Approximately 100 players have been selected for a comprehensive scouting camp.
Bayelsa United Technical Adviser Ladan Bosso said several players from both sides have been identified for potential recruitment into the Bayelsa United squad.
EGM FC’s coach Michael Felix attributed the victory to his team’s dedication, while Bayelsa United Feeders’ coach Dimie Iniedide promised to regroup for the round of 32.
EGM FC joins Adaka FC, Crusaders FC, Citiboi FC, Nembe City, Agbere FC, and PNA FC as LGA champions.
The Prosperity Cup now heads to the round of 32, setting the stage for more gripping grassroots football battles.
