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***Gov. Diri congratulates Player, Prosperity Cup COC** Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup Season 5 attacking sensation, Benjamin Precious has taken a big leap in his quest to play in the elite class of European football. Precious, who was the toast of fans and scouts in the SPOCS scouting programme at  Remo, Ogun State and in the 3rd Douye Diri International Scouting Tournament in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State as well as the 2023 Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the "Prosperity Cup" has joined German Bundisliger side, TSG Hoffenheim. Precious who helped Dreams Football Academy to reach the quarter finals of Nigeria's largest grassroots football fiesta is joining the German top flight club, after a brief stint in the Gambian league, where he also put up a brilliant performance. 18 years old Benjamin Precious joins the class of other Nigerian players like Kevin Akpoguma (2013 to 2015, Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke (2007 to...

Team Bayelsa will be participating in five team sports at the National Sports Festival which will be held in Abeokuta, Ogun State after the completion of the South South zonal elimination in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Wednesday. Bayelsa arrived Benin City on Sunday with a total of 218 contingent comprising athletes and officials for the zonal elimination. Team Bayelsa qualifed in Basketball female, Volleyball male, Abula male and female, Beach Volleyball male and Hockey female but failed to qualify in Football male and female, Handball, Abula mixed double as well as the male Hockey team.  Assessing the performance of the athletes, Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, described the outing as a fair performance from the athletes, stating that few of the games were lost by default. According to him, Bayelsa qualifed in six events out of the ten in the zonal elimination, that preparation for the National Sports Festival has already ...

Bayelsa State Football Association has commended  governor Douye Diri for the proposed construction of 25,000 capacity ultra modern stadium at Igbogene Yenagoa the Bayelsa State Capital. The state football association in a statement signed by the chairman Bar Poubeni Ogun and secretary Diseye Nwankwe lauded the governor for conceiving the vision to construct the new stadium. According to the statement, the governor's desire to give Bayelsa a state of the art stadium with modern facility is indicative of the prosperity administration's undiminished passion for the development of sports.  The statement notes that the Bayelsa' state football governing body was elated to see the new stadium's groundbreaking, stating that successes recorded in the last five years under the prosperity administration with Samson Siasia Stadium have shown that the state needs another facility to accommodate more sports. It notes that the governor's vision to construct a new stad...

Team Bayelsa on Tuesday began their campaign in the ongoing South South zonal elimination for team sports with victories in different sports ahead of the National Sports Festival coming up in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Bayelsa in Beach Volleyball beat host Edo State 2-0 while Volleyball male took their opponent to the cleaners. Bayelsa in the first game of the day beat Delta 3-0; 18-25, 25-19, 22-25, triumphed 3-0 against Edo; 25- 21, 25- 11, 25- 19 to qualify for the National Sports Festival slated for May this year. Basketball female beat Delta 46-31 and will next face Edo State on Wednesday by 8:00am at the Emotan College, Wire road, Benin City. Hockey male in their first game lost 2-1 to Delta while the female team on the other hand piped Edo 1-0. Hockey male team who had earlier lost 1-2 to Delta kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Edo State.  Bayelsa female Hockey team need a draw to qualify while the male team need to beat ...

Team Bayelsa will compete in seven sports in the ongoing South South zonal elimination for team sports ahead of the 23rd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Bayelsa State contingent arrived in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Sunday, February 23, 2025 with a total of 218 athletes and officials comprising volleyball male, Football male and female, Hockey male and female, Basketball female and Handball male. With the completion of the technical meeting on Monday for the zonal elimination, the various states will now proceed to the fiesta to decide the states that will qualify to represent the region in team sports for the festival.  Speaking shortly after the meeting, Director of Sports and chairman South South Directors of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi said that Bayelsa is fully prepared for the elimination, stating that the contingents are in Benin to give the state good representation.  According to him, the essence of the meeting was to ensure that ...

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) Bayelsa state council has inaugurated a new executive that will pilot the affairs of the union in the state. The inauguration which was held at the NUJ press center, Yenagoa was monitored by NANPF secretary and former international, Austin Popo represented by Dr.Timi Osaka  alongside the chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC Bayelsa Council, Dr. Laye Julius and players of the various clubs. Bayelsa NANPF inaugurated members are Fubara Owonaro, Administrative Secretary also state chairman, Bayelsa United captain, Gabriel Biriduba will serve as vice chairman, Odoni James as assistant administrative secretary and secretary, Ebisene Ernest Citiboi FC captain member, Jeffrey Ebidei Bayelsa United Feeders captain member. Others are Iweikumo Wariebowei, captain FC Silina member, Emmanuel Ogenetega Bayelsa Queens captain member, Rose Siloko Women Leader Ex player representing NANPF TUC Women Wi...

***Plan five day Intensive Certificate Programme for Bayelsa Coaches In Collaboration With the NFF*** Over one hundred referees based in Bayelsa State have been equipped with modern officiating techniques ahead of the commencement of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup across the eight LGA. The exercise was put together by the organizers of the Prosperity Cup in collaboration with the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), Bayelsa State Referees Council, Bayelsa State Football Association and the Ministry of Sports Development. The two day refresher course for the umpires had two sections, theory and practical, with the programme climaxing with the practical session taking place at the Samson Siasia Stadium.  Addressing journalists shortly after the exercise, a renowned referee's instructor and FIFA accessor, Peter Edibe said he was happy to see kids within the age of eig...

Director of Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi says he is happy to be part of the historical groundbreaking of the building of 25,000 capacity stadium at Igbogene in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state. Sir Wodi led management and staffers of the council to the event that had “Crème de la crème” of Nigeria sports in attendance alongside the former president of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who performed the ceremony. Addressing newsmen shortly after the event, Sir Wodi said he was elated to be part of the epoch making event as director of sports in the state and felt fulfilled that the groundbreaking of the new stadium was happening in his time as director of sports. He noted that  governor Diri and deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has changed the narrative in the state since he assumed office as the state's helmsman with his foresight towards the development of sports, pointing out that the governor's passion for sports has given Bayelsa a n...

The organizers of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup shall hold a two days training for the state referees that will participate in the season seven of the tournament. This was contained in a statement by the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe during the kick off of the tournament  in Yenagoa.  According to him, the exercise is in collaboration with the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), Bayelsa State Referees Council, Bayelsa State Football Association and Ministry of Sports Development, stating that the essence of the programme was to equip referees in the state with modern officiating techniques ahead of the competition. Mr. Akpe said that over one hundred referees would be trained to be handled by Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, CAF Instructor, Member NFF Referees Committee and Head, Panel of Instructors of Nigeria Referees as well as Felicia Chibuogwu CAF Instr...

* **Gov. Diri to Perform Prosperity Cup Ceremonial Kick Off*** ***Executive Arm Plays Legislators in Novelty Game*** The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has hailed Governor Douye Diri for the huge investment in the area of sports development in Bayelsa State.  The NFF president, Alhaji Gusau made the commendation during the presentation of the season seven branded jerseys to the NFF president led by Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe. He noted that governor Diri has changed the narrative in the state since he assumed office as the state's helmsman with his foresight in the development of sports, stating that the governor's passion for sports has given Bayelsa a new direction in sports. According to him, the governor's vision to construct a new stadium was indicative of his love for sports development, maintaining that the new stadium is going to transform Bayelsa into a center of sporting excellenc...

The draw for the season seven of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup has been completed in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The draw, which was held at the main bowl of the Samson Siasia Stadium had representatives and officials from the various participating teams in attendance, alongside key actors in the sports sector, who witnessed the ceremony. Prosperity Cup Season Seven will see 255 teams comprising 231 in the men's category and 24 of the female side battling for supremacy in the tournament in 25 centers across the eight local government areas. Defending champions, Ogboinbiri FC will kick start their title defence at Oporoma center in Southern Ijaw that has Ikianbiri FC, Ludoun FC, Oyoma FC, Amatuburu FC and Otuan FC.  Nembe City last year's finalists at the Nembe City center will face Respect FC, Ultimate Lakers, Etie  FC, Okoroba FC, Fantuo FC, Tbbe FC and Fisherman So...

The Bayelsa State Football Association has joined other stakeholders in the state to felicitate with the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. The FA in a birthday message, described Dr. Igali as a father and a leader worth celebrating for his outstanding accomplishments as commissioner for Sports Development, pointing out that his appointment as sports commissioner has given sports a new direction in Bayelsa the last five years.  The statement lauded the commissioner for his outstanding contributions towards the growth and development of sports under his watch as commissioner, describing the appointment of Igali as a perfect definition of round peg in a round hole. According to him, the celebrated Olympian has give table tennis and other sports premium attention and described Dr. Igali as a global ambassador that has given Bayelsa a positive image globally, pointing out that the younger generation of athletes...

. ..CELEBRATES THE NIGER DELTA SPORTS FESTIVAL  The Director General of Nigeria's largest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the "Prosperity Cup," Mr. Ono K. Akpe, has congratulated the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Baraladei Igali, on the occasion of his birthday. In a birthday message, Mr. Akpe described Dr. Igali as a leader worth celebrating for his outstanding accomplishments as Commissioner for Sports Development. He noted that Dr. Igali's appointment as Sports Commissioner has given sports a new direction in the last five years. The statement lauded Dr. Igali's outstanding contributions towards the growth and development of sports in Bayelsa State, describing his appointment as a perfect example of a round peg in a round hole. According to Mr. Akpe, the celebrated Olympian, Dr. Igali, is a global ambassador who has given Bayelsa a positive image globally. Mr. Akpe pointed out ...

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Bayelsa chapter has joined other well-meaning individuals and stakeholders in the sports sector to eulogise the Bayelsa State Sports Development Commissioner, Hon. Daniel Igali. A statement by the Chairman and Secretary of SWAN, Comrade Mrs Timinepre Ohia and Mr Patrick Ndubuisi respectively describe the former National, African, Olympic and World wrestling champion as a workaholic and dogged personality, who has made a name in the sports sector. The statement says Hon, Champion Igali, as he his fondly called, did not only conquer the world as an athlete but  as an administrator, urging others to emulate his proactive mindset and dedication to service. It also notes that as President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, the 2000 Sydney Olympic gold medallist has set an indelible mark by churning out medals across various national, continental and world championships, stressing that a big shoe awaits whoever takes over fr...

The Chief Executive of Cabo construction company Mr. Taiwo Babalola popularly known as Topshoot has felicitated with the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali on the occasion of his birthday. Mr. Babalola in a birthday message, described Dr. Igali as a leader worth celebrating for his outstanding accomplishments as commissioner for Sports Development, pointing out that his appointment as sports commissioner has given sports a new direction in the last five years.  The statement lauded the commissioner for his outstanding contributions towards the growth and development of sports under his watch as commissioner, describing the appointment of Igali as a perfect definition of round peg in a round hole. According to him, the celebrated Olympian has given the Samson Siasia stadium a facelift and described Dr. Igali as a global ambassador that has given Bayelsa a positive image globally, pointing out that the younger generation of athletes are lucky to have hi...

Director General of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa Governor's Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe has attributed the success recorded in the tournament to governor Diri’s unwavering passion to grassroots sports development. This year’s spectacle is expected to kick off this month across the eight local government areas in the state in 24 centers in a three category competition, which has male, female and the para category. Mr. Akpe in an interview with journalists ahead of the tournament's kick-off, said the governor is passionate to see that the youths in the state earn a living through sports, pointing out that the state helmsman's love for sports was the reason behind the tournament's continuous innovation. According to him, the governor’s direct involvement in the competition has driven members of the Central Organizing Committee (COC) to give their very best, maintaining that the local government level of t...