Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Local government finalists have emerged in Yenagoa and Ogbia Local Government Areas in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.
Ogbia LGA defending champions, Movers FC of Otuasega will battle high scoring Citiboi FC to decide in the 2025 champions of Ogbia Local Government Area.
In the first semi final match at the Imiringi venue, Movers FC humbled Federal University, Otuoke FC by three goals to one to qualify for the final, while Citiboi FC were so ruthless in overwhelming Ayalla FC five nil to advance to the LGA championship game.
Pere Richard put Citiboi ahead on 21 minutes from a well coordinated offensive play to end the first stanza at one nil.
Niwura Osuamkpa doubled the lead through a long range effort in the 75th minute, with Christopher Omoni adding the third 8 minutes later. The celebrations had barely died down when Prince Markson made it four on 84 minutes. Victor Christian completely dashed the hopes of the Okiki side with the fifth goal to ensure Citiboi ‘s passage into the Ogbia finals.
It will be recalled that, Movers FC defeated Anyama FC 2-0 to lift the local government trophy, last year.
In Yenagoa LGA, 2022 Prosperity Cup champions, Eternal Grace Ministry EGM FC eased out Afini FC by four goals to two in an entertaining encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. EGM came twice from behind to level the scores at 2-2 before ending the game 4-2.
In the second semi final match, Bayelsa United Feeders were so merciless in their four one demolition of Creek Haven Allstars. Razor sharp forward, Tonyemite Owugah’s hattrick was the highlight of the game that had the Director General of the tournament, Mr.Ono Akpe and other stakeholders in attendance at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Forward Owugah recorded one of the fastest hattricks of the tournament within 18 minutes, scoring on the 10th, 19th and 28th minutes with Goodness Ayeke netting the fourth on 31 minutes while Creek Haven’s consolation goal came from Joel Okubomobowei on 82 minute.
Bayelsa United Feeders will now face former champions, EGM FC in the Yenagoa Local government final of the tournament.
