By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The sixth edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s tournament christened “the Prosperity Cup” has kicked off at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Addressing participants on Friday Governor Douye Diri charged
over two hundred teams jostling for glory in 22 centers across the eight local Government Areas to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, fair play and ensure they give their best.
While performing the official opening of the competition, Governor Diri represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo described sports as an integral part of every society and expressed optimism that the tourney will not only curb youth restiveness, but create opportunities for exceptional players who may want to pursue a career in football.
According to him, the State was committed to the development of sports which has amassed numerous achievements in the last four years of the Prosperity administration, particularly para soccer and success recorded in the National Sports Festival.
The Governor lauded the Federal Government for endorsing the tournament and called on the IOCs, Shell, Agip, Aiteo and other private sectors to support the tournament.
He appreciated all the sponsors including the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB), and Premium Trust Bank said the government would continue to invest in sports to engage the youth meaningfully.
The opening day action of the The Prosperity Cup lived up to expectation with a keenly contested match between the defending champions, Krusaders Feeders, and newcomers, Police Machine . The debutants eventually had the last laugh as they defeated their opponent by three goals to Nil, to pass a message to other participants that they are not in the competition to make up the numbers, but to make a mark on their debut.
Goals from Moses Anthony, Iwasoma Hansil and Paul Kememiah on 17, 28 and 45 minutes ensured that the Police Machine FC went back home empty handed.
In his welcome address, Commissioner for Sports Development, Chief Daniel Igali, represented by the permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Grace Alagoa, charged all the participating teams to abide by the rules of the game.
Also speaking, Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, who described the competition as the largest grassroots football tournament in that country that would come out with outstanding games of football.
Mr Ono, further said the tournament is loaded with three editions in one, such as the male, female editions and the para-soccer.
Also speaking, proprietor of the defending champions, Krusader Feeders, Dr Peter Singable, who lauded the scintillating performance of his team, charged them to retain the title.
In attendance was the President of the Nigerian Super Eagles Supporters Club, Dr. Johnson Dagana, member representing Sagbama-Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Fred Agbedi, member representing Ekeremor Constituency 1 and the House Committee Chairman of sports, Hon. Tari Porri, other members of the House, Hon. Solomon Agwana, Chairman of Bayelsa State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Local Government Chairmen and other top Government functionaries.
