The Bayelsa State Correctional Centre has registered a football team, Liberty FC, to participate in the 2026 Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup. Director-General of the tournament, Ono Akpe, disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Abuja, describing the development as a step toward greater institutional participation in the competition.
According to Akpe, Liberty FC will play its matches on a designated field within the correctional facility. He said the annual tournament has helped engage young people in productive activities, contributing to reduced youth restiveness across communities in Bayelsa State.
“With the consistency in organising the tournament, youths are actively engaged in football activities across communities,” he said. Akpe added that the event continues to attract participation from various institutions and groups, including the Nigeria Police Force, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), faith-based organisations and a team of non-indigenes resident in the state.
Commenting on the development, Yenagoa-based football enthusiast and Secretary of the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Stanley Imgbi, said the inclusion of the correctional centre’s team would add variety to the tournament. He also welcomed the participation of non-indigenes, noting that it could promote unity and wider community engagement.Organisers said the competition will move to Ogbia Local Government Area this weekend following the completion of preliminary rounds in Brass and Nembe.
