F.J.M Media

Organizers of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup have applauded Governor Douye Diri for the increase in the tournament prize money for next year's edition Speaking to newsmen in Yenagoa at the weekend, Director General of the Central Organizing Committee ( COC ) Mr. Ono Akpe hailed the governor for his passion and support towards the development of grassroots football in the state, saying that the governor was pleased with the quality of football witnessed in both finals and urged the organizers to continue to strive for improvement in every edition.  Mr Akpe said the prize money for the Prosperity Cup 2025 has been increased for male and female categories, following the approval of Governor Douye Diri. According to him, winners of the male category will no longer receive five million naira (#5,000,000), but ten million naira (#10,000,000), while the female champion will smile to...

The Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Dr. Daniel Igali has stated with great intent the ambition of Bayelsa State at the next National Sports Festival tagged Ogun 2024.  Daniel Igali who made the statement on Thursday during an indoor meeting with the state' Association chairmen, coaches, organizing Secretaries, and Management staff, said the target of Governor Douye Diri at the Nigerian version of the Olympic Games is first position.  Recall, in Edo 2020 and Delta 2022 National Sports Festival, Bayelsa State finished 3rd and 2nd positions, respectively.  Daniel Igali, in his remarks, appreciated everyone in the ministry for their commitment, which has made it possible for the state to attain these enviable heights both nationally and globally. However, Igali noted that the desire of the state governor is for Bayelsa to clinch the number one spot.  "This meeting is on the need for us to prepare adequate...

An Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia, the state capital, on Thursday, July 19th, 2024  stroke out a motion brought before it by Mr. Adimchinobi Abraham seeking to stop Chief Sonny Nlewedim from parading himself as the Eze-Elect of Umuyota Autonomous Community. The judge in his ruling struck out the motion and affirmed Chief Sonny Nlewedim as the Eze-Elect of Umuyota Autonomous Community. The court also refused to grant the motion from the counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Adimchinobi Abraham seeking to stop the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti OFR from giving Chief Nlewedim staff of office as the substantiative Eze of Umuyota Autonomous Community. The judge in his ruling also fined Mr. Abraham the sum of #10,000 and warned him not to disturb the peace of the Umuyota Community henceforth. The jubilant people of the Umuyota community which includes the four village heads of the four ...

With over two thousand applications, the Umuahia North council painstakingly chose one hundred and fifty six persons through a transparent process for the second batch of skill acquisition and ICT/digital training.  The Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Hon. High-Chief Victor Ikeji, Ph.D (Kpakpando-Umuahia), while flagging off the skill acquisition program said he adopted the policy of ensuring that the program is an all-expenses paid skill acquisition for the teeming youths in the council. He said that considering the bitting economic condition and the absence of white collar jobs, acquiring a skill is the best way out of poverty. He assured the 156 trainees in this batch, that the council has fully paid for the program. He further promised to provide starter packs to the outstanding and dedicated trainees in the different skill sets. Mayor Ikeji also thanked the executive governor, Dr. Alex Otti OFR, for providing the enablement for the Mayors to aff...

The Federal Government has commended the contributions of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to the development of sports in Nigeria.  The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, gave the commendation on Saturday during the finals of the 6th edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened Prosperity Cup, which held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.  Senator Enoh, who witnessed the final games between NDU Queens and Peremo Academy in the female category as well as male category between Ogboinbiri of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and Nembe City of Nembe Local Government Area, noted that since becoming minister, Governor Diri had been a recurring decimal in Nigeria’s sports sector.  The Sports Minister said Governor Diri has continued to encourage and sponsor the growth of football and other sports not only in Bayelsa but also has been very supportive of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.  He stated that the...

By Francis Joseph   The 2024 Bayelsa Governor's Cup tagged the Prosperity Cup came to an end on Saturday 20th July at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa Bayelsa State. With a mammoth crowd cheering both teams at the Samson Siasia Stadium it was the Bekewei Brothers who stole the show as Ogboinbiri FC defeated Nembe FC by 3-0 to clinch the 6th edition of the 2024 Prosperity Cup. The game which began with both sides seizing up each other at the early exchanges came to life after Bekewei Ebi amazing neat foot work and cross from the by-line found his brother Paul Bekewei in the 22nd minutes who headed home to give Ogboinbiri the lead. With Nembe FC pushing all out for a an equalizer before the end of the first half, a  mix-up with the Nembe FC defense and Goalkeeper resulted in Bekewei Iladei Ebi to slotting the ball pass the on rushing Goalkeeper of Nembe FC to give Ogboinbiri FC  2-0 lead at halftime. At the resumption of the second half Nembe FC st...

***Obaseki, Lokpobiri, Sports Minister, Ogbuku, NFF President to Storm Yenagoa for Prosperity Cup Final** 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 defe...

The leadership of Umuahia North Stakeholders Forum has called on the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Hon. High-Chief Victor Ikeji, Ph.D ( Kpakpando-Umuahia), to run for the local government chairmanship position in the forthcoming local government polls in Abia State. Speaking on behalf of the group, Chief Arthur Nwamara said, the group came to this conclusion after evaluating the performance of the Mayor since his appointment by Gov. Alex Otti. He opined that the Mayor has done well and has embarked on projects that cut across every nook and cranny of the council. He further stated that "it would be a great disservice to the people of Umuahia North if he does not return as an elected chairman considering his performance and track record." He added that the call became necessary, following the supreme court judgment and the statement by the governor recently, that local government election will be conducted in the state very soon.  "Gov Ot...

Bayelsa Boys of Yenogoa were the biggest winner of day 3 of the National Division One League 2024 following their ruthless victory over Confluence Snappers of Lokoja on Wednesday. Bayelsa Boys did the needful as they outclassed the Snappers by a emphatic 26-7 victory in the men category at the indoor hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. Other matches in the men category saw COAS Shooters and Kutus Academy of Asaba played out an interesting 25-25 draw match while Benin City- based Aida Academy and Plateau Vipers also played an interesting match which ended in a 15-15 draw stalemate. Police Machine defeated Desert Warriors of Katsina 20-16 while Osun United beat Imo Lions 16-11. In the female category, Ekiti Babes defeated Mindscope Academy 26-25 while Omo Ogeifo earned a 21-19 victory over Osun Babes. Coal City Babes of Enugu defeated Gboko Dream Girls 27-22 while Police Machine defeated Funad Academy 16-12 NATIONAL DIVISION ONE HANDBALL LEAGUE  RESULTS OF D...

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Honourable Daniel Igali, has reiterated his support to the overall activities of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).  Igali stated this on Thursday, when the new exco of SWAN Bayelsa paid him a courtesy visit in his office, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital.    According to the World and Olympic champion, sports journalists play a key role in the development of sports, hence assuring the association of his continued support to its activities.  “I appreciate you all for this courtesy visit and congratulations on your emergence as new SWAN exco in the state, and I urge you do your possible best to ensuring the growth of sports,” Igali said. "SWAN always plays critical role in the development of Sports and I can say without you what we do here would be hindered because it needs to be projected, and on that note we are open to supporting every of SWAN activities to the best of our abilitie...

Nembe City FC will battle Ogboinbiri FC on Saturday in the final of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup after weeks of electrifying football in twenty two centers across the state. The Nembe side beat neighbors Kongho FC of Brass LGA 1-0 in the eastern derby at the Samson Siasia Stadium to set up the clash with the Southern Ijaw outfit, Ogboinbiri FC for the ultimate prize money. Obiene Isreal's 39th minute goal was all that Nembe City FC needed to qualify for the final of the tournament christened the Prosperity Cup. Nembe City becomes the second Nembe side to play in the final of the tournament after Opu Nembe in 2018. Kongho FC will now shift their attention to the third place game on Saturday against Bayelsa United Feeders FC who were edged out 1-0 by Ogboinbiri FC in the semi finals. Niger Delta University Queens in their semi-final match defeated Afini Ladies 4-3 on t...

  ***award Scholarship to Clinton for Brilliant Outing in Calabar** Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association have to received athletes who made the State proud in the just concluded 4th Offiong Edem South South Mini Table Tennis Tournament in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The Association in its ritual of hosting athletes who have given Bayelsa good representation in  tournaments welcomed Clinton Ogbomudia, Matthew John, kemela Udoka and Princess Ekuromune after their brilliant outing in the Canaan City of Calabar. Matthew John won gold in the U:17 category, Clinton Ogbomudia clinched gold in the U:15 event while Kemela Udoka and Princess Ekuromune's efforts were rewarded with a  bronze medal which amassed to four medals comprising two gold and two bronze medals. Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali represented by the Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi noted that he is happy to see indigenous ...

Bayelsa Boys got their first win in their second game of the ongoing Handball Division One Handball Championship in Benin City. They defeated Imo Lions 24-20 after crawling their way back from the jaws of defeat for the second game running. The win against the Imo Lions has boosted their chances of qualification towards the Ardova Handball Premier League. Bayelsa Boys will take on third place Confluence Stars on Wednesday evening. While they will be hoping for a favour from Imo Lions against Osun United with maximum points having beaten the Boys from Yenagoa by a two goal margin on Monday.

Bayelsa Queens Football Club has unveiled Whyte Ogbonda as their new head coach.  During the unveiling ceremony in Yenagoa, on Tuesday 16th July,2024 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who was  represented by his deputy Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the appointment of Whyte Ogbonda is a clear indication that the state is ready to compete at all levels. Senator Ewhrudjakpo described the decision to appoint the experienced tactician as a strategic move to rejuvenate the team to a more enviable height and to build on their legacy. "Our previous coaches did well for us but we felt that is not where we ought to be and that is why we have taken this decision to bring this experienced coach whom we all know his pedigree, so we are ready to compete".  Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Champion Daniel Igali said the proven track record of Whyte Ogbonda and his ability to foster young talents made him a valuable a...

***As MVP Sports Management Agency Selects Eighteen Players for Portugal Trip in October** A week after the completion of the 5th Governor Diri International Scouting Program/Coaching Clinic, the organizers of the exercise have announced the selection of eighteen young players for camping in Lagos. Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe in a statement on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee says eighteen players have been selected by MVP Sports Management Agency for camping at Moonluck Football Academy in Lagos State. According to the statement, the camping would be to select the most outstanding players of the lot as well as to put the selected players in shape in preparation for their trip to Portugal in October, 2024 for one of the most sought-after youth tournaments in Europe, the U-17 CASCAIS LUSO CUP. The CASCAIS LUSO U17 tournament in Portugal is also known as the IberCup- It is a large-scale international youth football tournament.take...

Bayelsa United have unveiled former U:20 coach, Ladan Bosso as the new technical adviser of the club ahead of 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season. Bosso who is making a return to the Yenagoa based side club after his previous stint in 2012-2014 was unveiled on Tuesday at the Samson Siasia Stadium alongside Whyte Ogbonda as Bayelsa Queens new gaffer. The former Abia Warriors and El-Kanemi Warriors coach penned a two year deal with the Prosperity Boys with the possibility of contract renewal at its expiration. Bayelsa State deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo at the unveiling ceremony said the need to hire Bosso became imperative due to the club's lackluster performance last season. He noted that the Bayelsa State government was not unmindful of the effort made by the coaches last season, pointing out that appointment of the new coaches would bring balance to both teams. According to him, the primary aim of the teams' new coaches was to re...

The Boys have been separated from the men as there are only four teams standing out of the 200 sides that registered in the season six of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, Bayelsa Governor’s Cup Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup. Akassa side Kongho FC humbled Solid Star FC of Ogu 3-0 to progress to the last four in the tournament. Perfect Akimi drew the first blood for the Kongho FC on 57 minute from a range effort after a barren draw at halftime. Prince Nackson on 77 minute doubled the lead for the Brass outfit through a left footed shot outside of the eight yard box. When it seemed Ogu side was going to respond, Ayibanua John on 84 minute added another to silence Solid Star FC fans. Southern Ijaw champions, Ogboinbiri FC came from a goal down to beat Wodu FC 3-1 in a pulsating encounter. Bearman Paul put Wodu FC ahead ten minutes into the game from a goalkeeper's blunder. The Ogboinbiri side restored parity on 48 minute f...

The People of Umuyota Autonomous Community in Umuawa-Alaocha, Ohuhu, Umuahia North LGA has reacted to a press release purportedly signed by one imposter named Chikamara Metuh. In a press release signed by Mr. Bright Udeh the Youth President of the Umuokarafor Community, the community where both Mr. Adimchinobi Abraham and High Chief Sonny Uwakwe Nlewedim hails from has advised  members of the public to disregard the so-called press release trying to present the emergence of Chief Sonny Nlewedim as the Eze-Elect of Umuyota Autonomous Community in dispute. According to Mr Udeh "I am the youth president of Umuokarafor, who was unanimously elected by the entire youths of Umuokarafor, Mr. Chikamara Metuh, is not a youth president, nor an executive in Umuokarafor or Umuyota". His imposition clearly shows that the press release is a hatchet job aimed at misleading members of the public to believe that there is a division in Umuyota where there is none. Chief Sunny Nlewed...

Defending champions, Krusaders Feeders FC slumped to a 1-0 to Agbere FC to crash out of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup in an encounter decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. The Ebi Amula tutored side, Agbere FC took the biggest scalp of the round of sixteen fixtures, stunning a five star performance to earn the victory, sending one of the tournament's favorites out of the competition. Moke Fred scored the only goal for last year's semi finalist Agbere FC on 18 minute when the Krusaders Feeders FC's defence line failed to clear a low ball in the danger zone as Fred meandered his way inside the box to slot in the ball to send Agbere FC fans into jubilation. Bayelsa United Feeders and Petroleum Boys FC of Ekeremor produced a tournament display with Feeders edging out Petroleum Boys FC 4-3 on penalties after a one all draw in normal time. Stanley ...

The Nigeria Wrestling contingent left Madrid, Spain for Germany in what is their last camping before the Olympic Games in Paris, France.  The Wrestlers which participated in Spanish Grand Prix, a pre-Olympic tournament in Madrid, had Esther Kolawole 62kg and Ogunsanya Christinah 53kg record bronze for Team Nigeria respectively.   Ogunsanya defeated her USA counterpart Brianne Gonzales (10-0) to win Bronze medal while Kolawole won Swedish Johanna Lindborg by (8-0) for the Bronze Medal. Multiple time world medalist Odunayo Adekuoroye lost (4-4) on technical grounds to Norwegian Othile Hole in the quarter final. Similarly, African champion Hannah Reuben lost her first bout to Tatiana R. her Colombia opponent (3-0).  Reacting to the performance of the team, the female head coach Akuh Purity assessed it was an opportunity for the wrestlers to warm-up ahead of the Paris Games. "It was a good outing for our girls in the sense that it offered us opportunity to lo...

    ****Peremo Soccer Academy, Niger Delta Queens and Boro Queens Win Big In Women's Tournament** Defending champions, Krusaders Feeders FC, Afini FC, Anyama FC, Petroleum Boys FC, Rose of Sharon FC, Ogboinbiri FC, Nembe City FC and Kongho FC have qualified to the round of 16 of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup. Krusaders Feeders FC whitewashed Creek FC 6-1 in a game decided at the Ebedebiri center. A brace from Surveyor Handsome on 9 and 29 minutes and another brace from Tony Akpara on 15 and 51 minutes as well as a goal from Moses Anthony and Lawyer Bobraye gave the Peretrogbene based side the deserved victory.  Petroleum Boys FC in the second game at the Ebedebiri center pummeled Odi United 5-0 to progress to the round of 16 of the tournament. Solohit Akpokabowei, Jeremiah Ebiye and Moses Aseyeibo were on the scoresheet for the Ekeremor side. Kongho FC at the Ne...

By Francis Joseph   It was a happy ending for Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association (BYSTTA) as it's player's won two Gold and two Bronze Medal to end the 4th edition of Offiong Edem South South Mini Table Tennis Tournament in Calabar the capital of Cross Rivers State. In the Uder-17 boys Category, John Mathew showed his dominance as he won the Gold medal to make it a back-to-back title after winning the 3rd edition while Clinton Ogbemudia in the under-15 boys Category also clinch gold for himself displaying superior techniques and strategy over his opponent. The two day events also saw Princes Ekuromune winning bronze in the under-15 girls category while Kemela Victor Udoh won bronze in the under -17 boys Category at the close of the tournament. At the end of the tournament which started on Friday, July 5th to Saturday, 6th July, 2024 team Bayelsa's outstanding performance produced two gold medals and two bronze medals making it 4 medal...

Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Bayelsa State council, Mr. Laye Julius has raised concern over the appointment of non sports administrators into the board of Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens. The TUC boss in an interview, said the continuous appointments of non sports administrators into various board is playing a negative role on the board, pointing out that board members do not watch matches but only are concerned about allowances. He noted that appointing competent hands in the board would reduce distraction, calling the government to work modalities for early preparation for the new season in order to have fruitful 2023/2024 NPFL season. According to him, the major challenge bedeviling the team is indiscipline particularly from the indigenous players who feel they can always come back to the team whenever they are disciplined for improper behavior, maintaining that discipline is the only way to success. The former Bayelsa State Football Association Vice Chairman ...

  ***Prosperity Cup Women's Draws Hold on Thursday*** Bayelsa State deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo says the state government will continue to show total commitment to the development of youths through sports. The deputy governor made this known during a courtesy visit by members of the Central Organizing Committee of the Prosperity Cup and the international scouts at the government house in Yenagoa. Senator Ewhrudjakpo noted that the prosperity administration would create a conducive environment for young sportsmen and women to progress in their careers, stating that he was pleased with the sustainability of the tournament. While appreciating the organizers of the tournament for the successes recorded in the competition, the deputy governor remarked that the tournament has come to stay, describing the competition as a powerful vehicle to discover talents at the grassroots. He called for collaboration between organizers of the Prosp...