Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Leave Am For Me FC have emerged champions of the Para Soccer championship in the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.
The Para Soccer final was filled with fun and excitement to the admiration of fans and stakeholders who came out to witness the second edition of the Para Soccer final.
Leave Am For Me FC beat Hon. Igali FC 5-4 in an encounter decided at the multipurpose hall of the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The winner of the Para Soccer championship was presented with a sum of Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (#650,000.00) while second place Hon. Igali FC went home with Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (#350,000.00) and also a cash reward of #50,000.00 from the former commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Ebikitin Diongoli.
Afini Ladies in the third place match of the women’s tournament defeated Niger Delta Queens of Odi 1-0. Precious Belele’s goal on 22 minute gave the Yenagoa based side the deserved victory having missed out the chance to play in the final of the tournament.
Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe in a remark noted that the Para Soccer event is aimed at giving persons living with disability a sense of belonging in the society, describing both sides as winners.
He explained that the need to include para soccer in the tournament became imperative due to the state’s continuous dominance in the National Para Games, pointing out that he was satisfied with the energy displayed by the athletes.
Chairman of the occasion and former commissioner for Sports, Dr. Ebikitin Diongoli congratulated both sides for the show of professionalism, saying that the inclusion of the Para Soccer event has added more glamour to the tournament.
Dr. Diongoli commended the Bayelsa State government and the organizers of the Prosperity Cup for creating a platform for the youths in the state to showcase their talents.
Also, Afini FC coach, Anthony Robert said that their priority is to consolidate on the achievements recorded in this year’s prosperity cup, stating that the team is barely four months old.
In the meantime, all is now set for the final matches of the ongoing Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened “Prosperity Cup” on Saturday, July 20th, 2024 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The 3rd place match between Bayelsa United Feeders and Kongho FC of Brass will hold at 11:00am while the women’s final between NDU Queens and Peremor Soccer Academy is slated for 1:00pm.
Ogboinbiri United of Southern Ijaw trade tackles with Nembe City FC of Nembe at 3:00pm in the men’s showdown.
Tournament closing ceremony is under the chairmanship of Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of Sports Development while the Special Guest of Honour is Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State.
Other invited guests include; Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Sam Ogbuku, MD, NDDC, and Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigerian Football Federation.
Hon. Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Sports Development is the host while, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State is the tournament’s promoter and Chief Host.
