From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
Preliminary round matches of the seventh season of Nigeria’s largest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, known as the Prosperity Cup, commenced over the weekend in the Brass and Nembe local government areas.
At the Nembe City Stadium on Sunday, Nembe FC showcased a dominant performance against Fantuo FC, securing a 2-0 victory to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Goals from Jackson Idubamo and Clement Bruno in each half were pivotal in ensuring Nembe FC’s success, effectively ousting their opponents from the tournament.
The Prosperity Cup continues to play a significant role in promoting grassroots football in Nigeria, engaging local communities and fostering talent development
Earlier at the same venue, Okoroba FC triumphed over Etie FC 7-6 on penalities after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Samuel David put Etie FC ahead on 57 minutes from a long range effort but Okoroba FC restored parity on 88 minutes from Benjamin Okatubo’s well taken spot kick.
On Saturday at the Sangana Centre in Brass Local Government Area, Sangana FC humbled Blue Sea Strikers 2-0 with the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere taking the ceremonial kick off.
Substitute, George Super netted the first brace of season seven scoring in 66 and 77 minutes, ensuring that his Sangana FC side advanced to the next round of the competition. In the second game of the same centre Kamatoru FC defeated Ogidi United also by two unreplied goals.
Fielding questions from newsmen after the encounter Ekwere Itoro, coach of Okoroba FC, attributed the victory to his lads’determination and commitment, stating that their target was to win the game in regulation time.
One of the goal scorers for Nembe City FC, Clement Bruno, boasted that their target is to lift the trophy and smile home with the prize money at the end of the tournament.
Action shifts to Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas this coming weekend
It will be recalled that, Governor Douye Diri had last month performed the symbolic kick-off of the tournament at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa to herald the official commencement of this year’s showpiece, which is featuring 231 teams.
