F.J.M Media

Advance Dreams Football Academy of Yenagoa will battle former champions, Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC of Yenagoa in the final of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup.  After weeks of fascinating football action in 26 centres across the state, the men have truly and finally been separated from the boys.  In a second semi-final match that lacked creativity from both sides, most in the second half of the match which held at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Advance Dreams Football Academy beat Bayelsa United Feeders 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. The encounter, which was full of expectations had the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe; the Chairman of Bayelsa State Football Association, Barr. Porbeni Ogun; the Tournament Director, Perela Aboroson; Head of Media of the tournament, Ebi Avi; State Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Laye ...

  Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC of Yenagoa are through to the final of Nigeria's biggest grassroots soccer showpiece, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.  EGM FC and Crusaders FC came into Thursday's game with identical scorelines from their quarter-final matches, beating Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, PNA FC and Ogbia champions, Citiboi FC of Imiringi by lone goal victories to progress to the semi finals.  In the battle of former champions, EGM FC prevailed over Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene 5-4 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time in a game decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. EGM FC will now face the winner of the second semi-final encounter between Bayelsa United Feeders and Advance Dreams FA, which comes up by 3:30pm on Friday at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Victorious EGM FC's, Felix Michael in a post-match interview, said it has been his desire to play in the final of the tournament, po...

2021 Tokyo Olympic silver medalist, Blessing Oborududu, has bid emotional goodbye to wrestling after 19 years of active bout on the mat The 14-time African champion won her final bout to clinch gold for Bayelsa in the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta and end an illustrious career  The Bayelsa born wrestler received emotional farewell from national teammates with pleasant standing ovation from fans, officials, and wrestling stakeholders  An emotional Blessing Oborududu in her farewell speech "I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation led by Daniel Igali and the board members, my teammates, and family.  "After the Olympics, I thought of retiring, but the President suggested I retire officially at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta where I made my first appearance as a young wrestler back in 2006". "I created a lot of memories, but my most memorable one was the Tokyo Olympics, which ignited ...

Ezougha Soccer Academy and Afini Ladies both of Yenagoa have both qualified for the final of the women's version of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup. In their first semi final match decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa on Wednesday, Ezougha Soccer Academy fought off their less fancied Bayelsa Stars Queens by a lone goal to qualify for the final having had a smooth ride in the competition.  On the other hand, Afini Ladies put up a dominant display against Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences, BYSCON QUEENS FC by three unreplied goals. Last season's top scorer, Blessing Anderson drew the first blood for Afini Ladies on 17 minutes from a well-placed effort.  Anibrafa Afuluku doubled the lead on 28 minutes from a beautiful finish to send the coach Anthony girls into wild celebration, having controlled the first 30 minutes of the game. Goodness Ejike on 8...

The Central Organizing Committee of Nigeria's largest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity cup has disqualified Youbolobo football club of Agge from further participation in this Year's competition. The Agge based side, which were the runners up in Ekeremor LGA was found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in their quarter final clash with Advance Dreams Football Academy of Yenagoa on Tuesday. In an enlarged meeting of the Central Organizing and Disciplinary committees held on Wednesday, it was discovered that, Youbolobo had violated article vi, sub sections 1(g) as well as section 2 (b) and (c), of the tournament's rules, which dwell on false information. The meeting of the Central Organizing and Disciplinary committees, which was urgently convened as a result of a protest filed by Advance Dreams Football Academy, discovered that Youbolobo football of Agge had fielded one Austin Oboroakpo, ...

Crusaders FC of Peretoru-gbene and Youbolobo of Agge have joined Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM of Yenagoa and Bayelsa United Feeders in the semi finals of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football showpiece, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened Prosperity Cup. Both teams scrape through after highly tensed quarter final battles. In the last set of quarter final matches decided on Tuesday at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, one the tournament's most surprising sides, Youbolobo FC of Agge in Ekeremor LGA stunned Advance Dreams FA of Yenagoa 4-3 on penalties to reach the money-spinning stage of the competition after a one-all draw in regulation time. John Benidiowei put the Youbolobo FC in front on 23 minutes from a perfect finish to keep the scores at one nil at halftime in an encounter watched by the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, former national team coach, Finidi George, former Bendel Insurance coach, Monday Odigie a...

The ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta has received accolades from Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade Stow, Chairman of Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association and representative on the board of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation. According to Ama-ebi , the festival has been "colourful and intense," showcasing the preparedness of all participating states. He commended the organizers for providing standard facilities and equipment for table tennis, saying, "They have got the floor, which is very necessary for the game of table tennis. And the tables, I can see they are top-notch. The butterfly is center full 25. So as far as the equipment goes, it's a standard one." However, Ama-ebi  noted that table tennis development in Nigeria still faces challenges, citing the need for support from the federal government and private sector involvement. "There's a lot that needs to be done. We need support from the federal government and also we need to attract the ...

The last, but one round of matches in the last 16 of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, have been completed.  In Friday morning's early kick off at the Samson Siasia Stadium, former champions, Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC walloped Royal All Stars four nil to progress to the quarter finals of the competition.  Godknows Ikpe opened the floodgate of goals 16 minutes into the game from a beautiful build up to find the back of the net. Samuel Pedro added another to make it two nil on 33 minutes through a well-delivered cross. Izou made it three just on the stroke of halftime.  Royal All Stars woes were compounded in the 79th minute when Godknows fired home from close range to make it four goals to nil. In the second game at the same venue, Bayelsa United Feeders defeated Sagbama LGA champions, Agbere FC of Agbere 5-3 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time....

Former champions, Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene have qualified for the quarter finals of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup. The 2022 champions, beat Nembe City FC of Nembe Local Government Area by two goals to one in an encounter decided at the Otuasega Township Stadium. After a dominant display in the opening half hour, Ebiotu Boloigha gave Crusaders FC the lead in 40th minute, when buried a beautiful delivery from his midfield area. Nembe City FC forward, Ayibaitari Abraham levelled the scores for the Nembe-based side in the 63rd minute to restore some hope for side hope. When the highly voiceferous crowd was preparing to see a penalty shootout to decide the winner, winger, Ebiye Jeremiah's last minute effort found the net and ended Nembe City FC's dreams of quarter finals berth In the day's second game at the Otuasega arena, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, P...

Bayelsa State maintained it's lead at the top of the medals table in the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State tagged Gateway Games after day four of the fiesta.  According to the official medals table, Team Bayelsa has amassed 27 medals comprising 16 gold, six silver and five bronze medals after day four. Delta State took a big leap from day three of the fiesta to move to second spot with 10 gold, five silver and six bronze medals. Osun State are on third position with six gold, one silver and closely followed by Rivers on fourth with five gold medals, three silver and four bronze medals as of the time of filing this report. Lagos completes the top five in fifth position after day four with four gold, seven silver and 10 bronze medals. Oyo State  occupied the 6th position with four gold, two silver and six bronze medals.  Akwa Ibom State is manning the 7th spot with four gold and one silver while Plateau State i...

The Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe has declared that the Bayelsa State Governor's Football Tournament is achieving set results. Akpe made the declaration while speaking to journalists shortly after the Yenagoa Local Government final encounter between Bayelsa United Feeders and Eternal Grace Ministries (EGM) FC. He said he is very excited that within the space of seven years the tournament has grown so big and that some players scouted from the competition are now plying their trade within and outside the country, pointing out that, that was the whole essence of the Prosperity Cup, which is unarguably the biggest grassroots football tournament in the country.  According to the DG, "I am excited that a product of the 2023 edition of the Prosperity Cup, Precious Benjamin, who plays for Hoffenheim in Germany, is presently part of the national Under-20 football team that won bronze in the just-concluded AFCON U-20 Championship in far away Morocco. ...

Team Bayelsa continued their impressive performance in the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State tagged the 2024 Gateway Games after day three of the fiesta. Bayelsa state has so far won 32 medal comprising 16 gold, 10 silver and 6 bronze medal after day two of the 2024 Gateway Games with swimming, wrestling, Karate, kickboxing and volleyball yet to commence. Weightlifting has won 12 medal, gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medal. Kung-fu has produced 18 medal, 9 gold, 7 silver and 2 bronze after day two of the Nigeria's version of the Olympics. Taekwondo has one gold, one bronze as the 22nd National Sports Festival continues. According to the official medal table Team Bayelsa are currently leading the table with 9 medal, 6 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze while Oyo State on second with 6 medal, 4 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal.  Lagos on third position with 3 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze making it a total of 10 medal, closely followed b...

More teams have qualified for the round of 16 of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.  In the latest round of games decided on Tuesday, Royal All Stars of Yenagoa edged out Water Strikers FC of Twon Brass by two unreplied goals at the Imiringi centre to progress. Nation Ogogo opened the scoring for the Yenagoa side on 50 minutes from a beautiful header, with Charles Richard increasing the tally on 75 minutes to end the tie at two nil. In the second match at the Imiringi turf, former champions and tournament favourites, Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC of Yenagoa whitewashed Okoroba FC four nil to keep their hopes of winning the tournament alive. Taiwo Ola opened the floodgate of goals just five minutes into the game with a perfect finish. Noble Junior made it two nil on 17 minutes from a long range shot. Just before the break, Noble Junior increased the goal margin to three for his brace...

. ..Commend Gov Diri's Unwavering Support for Sports Development... The Director-General of the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, has congratulated Bayelsa Queens on their emergence as champions in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership. The team secured the top spot following a dominant 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels on the final day of the Super Six playoffs. Mr. Akpe extended his congratulations to the team, also known as the Prosperity Girls, on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee (COC). He expressed delight in the team's triumph, attributing their success to their outstanding performance during the regular season.  The DG commended the team's doggedness, indomitable disposition, and can-do spirit, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Bayelsa State. Mr. Akpe specially commended the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for his unwavering support and vision for spo...

... As PNA FC, Nembe City, Sangana FC and Crusaders FC Progress Into Round Of 16 A first half brace from Abraham Ayibaitari gave Nembe City of Nembe Local Government Area a two nil victory over Peace FC of Yenagoa in the round of 32 fixture of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup at Otuasega Township Stadium on Monday. Ayibaitari, who helped his team to clinch the Nembe LGA title, put Nembe City FC in front on 36 minutes from a left-footed delivery. Ayibaitari doubled the scores a minute later to complete his brace, having taken full control of the game. Playing at the same venue, former champions, Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene beat Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry, MFM FC to qualify for the round of 16. Vincent Great's brace on 32 and 54 minutes propelled the Ekeremor champions into the round of 16.  At the Nembe City Stadium, Sangana FC of Brass LGA beat Ayalla FC...

  Bayelsa Queens FC were crowned NWFL Premiership champions for the sixth time in the club’s 25-year history after a comfortable 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels at the pitch 4 of the Remo Stars Stadium on Saturday in Ikenne. Vera Samuel’s hat-trick was enough to seal the win, as the Prosperity Girls pulled off a major upset against a Ratels side that created some chances in the game. Whyte Ogbonda’s team, led by Alaba Olabiyi in attack and Dooshima Tarnum and Aderemi Mary orchestrating from midfield, had the lion’s share of the ball and made it count. It was Vera Samuel that opened the flood-gate of goals in the 29th minute with a beautiful header from a cross by Mega Cynthia, but Naija Ratels equalized in the 44 minutes of play to end the first half 1-1. The Prosperity Girls began the second half with much intensity and Mega Cynthia scored the second goal in 46 minutes. Alaba Olabiyi was a major culprit as she missed a golden opportunity to make it three comi...

The Director-General of the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe has extended warm congratulations to Bayelsa-born business mogul, Sir Dan Ken Etete, on the landmark achievement of lifting Obodo blend oil for international export. In a statement on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee (COC), Mr. Akpe lauded Etete's unwavering commitment and sacrifices that have culminated in this remarkable feat. The Prosperity Cup organizers expressed delight in the growth and success of Century Group in the oil sector, acknowledging the company's significant contributions to the nation's economy. Mr. Akpe highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the Prosperity Cup and Century Group, noting that the company's support for the tournament in the past speaks volumes about its dedication to youth and sports development in the Niger Delta region. " When I paid a courtesy call to your corporate headquarter...

...As LGA Boss Splashes Cash Gifts on Teams Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup continued with the Yenagoa Local Government Area finals on Saturday with Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC emerging champions. Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC beat Bayelsa United Feeders by two goals to one in a fiercely contested match to lift the Yenagoa LGA trophy in an encounter decided at the Samson Siasia Studium. Godknows Ikpe put the 2022 Prosperity Cup champions, EGM FC ahead on 33 minutes from a beautiful finish in the encounter watched by the Yenagoa local government council chairman, Hon. Bulodiseye Ndiwari, Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe and other members of the Central Organizing Committee. Despite being a goal down, the young Prosperity Boys showed great determination on resumption and their efforts paid off on 55 minutes when Stanley Amon capitalize...

Citiboi FC of Imiringi has dethroned Movers FC of Otuasega as Ogbia champions of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup Citiboi FC beat hard fighting Movers FC of Otuasega 5-4 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time in an encounter decided at the Imiringi Township stadium, without the local government chairman, Hon Jeremiah Golden and members of his cabinet in attendance. Despite the absence of the Ogbia Council chairman, the game lived up to expectation with a massive turnout of fans.  The Movers FC trio of Elton Mina, Precious Omonibo and Appah Sydney on three occasions in the first half came close but could not convert their chances despite dominating proceedings to the admiration of the fans.  Citiboi FC came into the game in the second half, but the former Ogbia champions proved impregnable as their defence line of Azibalua Jerome, Ola Elton and Benard Amikpo...

The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association says it has concluded plans to inaugurate an ultra-modern table tennis facility in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital. The inauguration of the facility, to be known as the Coastal Fortress, will also feature the unveiling of Italy's Luciano Esposito as the new Coach for the association. This is contained in a statement signed by the chairman of the state table tennis association, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, ahead of the inauguration of the multi billion naira facility located at the Oxbow-Lake Road, by Federal Mortgage Bank, Yenagoa. According to the statement, the historic event takes by 2:00pm on Wednesday, the 14th of May, 2025, with Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as the Special Guest of Honour while the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo will be the Guest of Honour.  CP Bankole Anderson, who is the Chairman of Para-Table Tennis Division of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, NTTF and Chairman ITTF A...

Agbere FC of Agbere on Monday came from a goal down to beat Indomitable Lion FC of Sagbama to retain the Sagbama Local Government Area title of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup.  In the final match that took place at the council field, Sagbama town, Agbere FC, the defending champions, outclassed Indomitable Lion FC by two goals to one to lift the trophy under watchful eyes of the local government chairperson, Hon. Mrs. Alice Tangi, councilors and political appointees in the area. Kelvin Emmanuel put Indomitable Lion FC ahead on 27 minute from a well-placed effort to beat Agbere FC goalkeeper who was kept busy throughout the first half.  Having conceded a goal in the first half, Agbere FC came back more determined in the second stanza with relentless forays into their opponents goal area, which paid off in 60th minute with Chibuzor Maxwell leveling the scores.. Agber...

Nembe City of Ogbolomabiri have emerged champions of Nembe Local Government Area in Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup. Nembe City pummeled Okoroba FC of Okoroba four nil to lift the Nembe Local Government championship trophy in an encounter watched by the local government chairman, Hon David Alagoa and other political appointees, at the Nembe City Stadium. By the feat, Nembe City joins Crusaders FC of Ekeremor, Adaka FC of Kolokuma/Opokuma as champions of their various LGAs. Ebinyo Victor put Nembe City in front three minutes into the game converting a cross from the right flank. Abraham Ayibaitari doubled the lead for the Nembe-based side on 14 minutes from a well-connected ball having started the encounter in an exhilarating fashion. Forward Abraham Ayibaitari added another goal on 47 minutes from a well-delivered cross. When it seemed the encounter was going to end...

Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene has been crowned 2025 champions of Ekeremor Local Government Area in Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup. Crusaders FC beat Youbolobo FC of Agge one-nil to lift the trophy in an encounter decided at the Ayamasa field. Vincent Great's late goal gave the Peretorugbene-based side the slim victory. Crusaders FC have now joined Adaka FC of Kaiama, who defeated Sampou FC of Sampou by three goals to one to emerge champions in their local government final. Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac in a remarks, said he was pleased with the level of football artistry displayed, describing both sides as victors and urged them to give Ekeremor LGA a good representation when the round of 32 begins.  Hon. Onniye called on youths in the local government areas to see sports, particularly football as a veritable means of earning a livi...

Afini Ladies and Golden Sun Sports Club have joined Bayelsa Stars Queens and Ezuogha Soccer Academy in the semi finals of the women's version of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.  Afini Ladies beat Crystal Stars, one of the tournament's favourites 3-1 on penalties after a one all draw in regulation time in an encounter decided at the Samson Siasia Studium, Yenagoa.  Last year's highest goal scorer, Blessing Anderson broke the deadlock on 46 minutes after a beautiful team work. The celebration did not last long as Agba Praise was brought down in the danger area and centre referee, Elisha Clifford wasted no time in pointing to the spot, and Praise, who scored a hat trick in her first game, stepped forward to send Afini Ladies goalkeeper the wrong way on 50 minutes. Still basking in the euphoria of their thirteen nil drubbing of the Global Stars of Yenagoa in their...

...as Kolga Stakeholders Splash Cash on Teams... Adaka FC of Kaiama have emerged Champions of the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area Season 7 Final in Nigeria's biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.  Adaka FC of Kaiama humbled Sampou FC of Sampou by three goals to one in an encounter watched by the crème de la crème of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area at the Odi field.  Timitimi Seidougha put the Kaiama-based side ahead in the 24th minute from a beautiful finish to send Adaka FC fans into wild jubilation.  Forward, Seidougha got his brace 59 minutes into the game, giving his side a goal cushion. Seidougha added another in the 72nd minute from a close range shot to complete his hat-trick while Osese scored Sampou FC's consolation goal in the 90th minute of the game. Victorious Adaka FC smiled home with the sum of one million naira while second-placed Sampou FC got five hun...