Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
For seven years, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup, has been a pivotal platform for grassroots footballers in Bayelsa, transforming local talent into stars of Nigerian and international football.
The tournament has consistently unearthed gifted players, many of whom have advanced to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and overseas clubs.
A prime example is Precious Benjamin, who emerged during the fifth edition with Dream Football Academy (now Advance Dreams FA).
His dazzling displays in the SPOCS scouting program in Ogun State and the Douye Diri International Scouting Tournament in Yenagoa led to a stint in the Gambian league, followed by a move to TSG Hoffenheim in Germany’s Bundesliga.
In the 2015 inaugural edition, then dubbed the Restoration Cup, Okardi Inikurogha steered Ewo-ama FC from Brass LGA to victory, earning the Most Valuable Player award.
He later joined Bayelsa United, playing a key role in their 2021 Aiteo Cup triumph in Benin City.
Robert Mizo made waves in 2015, scoring a double hat-trick against Bayelsa State College of Education at Otuasega, though his team was ousted by Emeyal 2 FC in the following round.
In 2017, Bayelsa United recruited Gabriel Biriduba Tarabina Bweribo and Emo James after their standout performances for Peretrogbene FC from Ekeremor LGA. Last year, Rivers United signed Handsome Surveyor from Crusaders FC of Peretrogbene during the Governor Douye Diri pre-season tournament in Yenagoa.
From the coastal village of Odioma in Brass LGA, players like Endurance Ebedebiri, Saro Loveday, Ayiba Edwin, Akpos Godbless, Junior Christopher, and John Bassey joined Bayelsa United.
NPFL champions Remo Stars also feature Oyowa Alex, a Prosperity Cup graduate who played for Okodia in 2018 and 2019, later moving to Bayelsa United and Rivers United before helping Remo Stars clinch the league title.
The tournament’s global impact shines through with Joel Izibevie Nestor now playing in Bosnia, Prince Court having a brief spell in Latvia, and Egah Saviour featuring for a Moroccan club.
The Prosperity Cup continues to be a vital catalyst, elevating Bayelsa’s football talent to new heights.
