By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Eternal Grace Ministries football club and Afini Ladies have emerged as champions of the 2025 Prosperity Cup, Nigeria’s leading youth football tournament, during a thrilling finale at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
The event spotlighted Bayelsa State’s bold aspirations, with Gov. Douye Diri announcing plans to host the 2028 National Sports Festival.
In his remarks, Gov. Diri underscored Bayelsa’s recent sporting triumphs, citing second-place finishes at the 2022 Delta and 2024 Ogun National Sports Festivals and a victory at the 2025 Niger Delta Sports Festival.
He emphasized the ongoing construction of a 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard stadium, set for completion in two years, as pivotal to the 2028 bid.
“We are committed to making Bayelsa Nigeria’s sports capital and showcasing our football talent globally,” Diri declared.
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon.Daniel Igali, in his address, lauded the Prosperity Cup as the nation’s premier youth football platform, noting its record participation of 231 male and 20 female teams in 2025.
“This tournament is a game-changer for our youths,” Igali remarked, highlighting its growing international appeal with foreign scouts now tracking its talents.
He also praised the enhanced female category, which featured increased prize money to promote gender equity.
Tournament Director-General Ono Akpe, expressed profound gratitude to Gov. Diri for his unwavering support.
“The Prosperity Cup, with 231 male and 20 female teams, is a beacon of opportunity, fostering talent and unity while drawing global interest from football agents.”
He commended the governor’s vision for transforming Bayelsa into a sports powerhouse.
In the male final, Eternal Grace Ministries of Yenagoa secured a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Advanced Dreams Academy, earning N10 million, while the runners-up received N5 million.
Afini Ladies clinched the female title, taking home N5 million, with Ezougha Football Academy, the runners-up, awarded N2.5 million.
Bayelsa Queens, champions of the 2024/2025 female league, received a Coaster bus from Premium Trust Bank, presented by Managing Director Emmanuel Emefienim.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, in his remarks, hailed Gov. Diri’s dedication to sports development, noting, “The Prosperity Cup’s progress is remarkable.” Attending his third consecutive final, he urged other governors to adopt Bayelsa’s youth empowerment model.
Hon. Phillip Shaibu, Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, praised Bayelsa’s initiatives, emphasizing their economic contributions.
The finals, graced by dignitaries including First Lady Dr. Gloria Diri, Senator Konbowei Benson, House members Dr. Mitema Obordor and Mrs. Marie Ebikake, Bayelsa Speaker Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and football icons Austin Eguavoen and Samson Siasia, exuded prestige.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of medals, trophies, and cheques, reinforcing Bayelsa’s ambitious goal to lead Nigerian sports by 2028.
