₦30 Million Winner’s Prize, Capacity-Building Programmes as Prosperity Cup Sets New Standards Ahead of 2026 Kickoff

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By Francis Joseph

The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, has unveiled a series of landmark initiatives ahead of its 2026 edition, further reinforcing its status as Nigeria’s biggest and most impactful grassroots football competition.

At a World Press Conference held by the organizers, the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe announced that the eventual champions of the tournament will walk away with a ₦30 million cash prize — the highest winner’s prize in the history of the competition.

Beyond the prize money, the organizers also rolled out key capacity-building programmes as part of their commitment to raising standards. One of such initiatives is a one-week refresher training clinic for fourth referees, to be organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Referees Council. The programme is scheduled to hold from February 17 to 19, 2026, and is designed to update match officials on modern officiating standards while ensuring consistent application of the laws of the game throughout the tournament.

In further demonstration of the tournament’s focus on player welfare, the Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Akpe, also announced a three-day intensive medical training programme for medical personnel attached to participating teams. All clubs with designated medical staff were advised to submit their names promptly to enable full participation. According to the organizers, the training is a deliberate step aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards for players and officials during the competition.

At the World Press Conference, the organizers also announced a one-day intensive training programme will be organized for media personnel and match coordinators. The training will focus on effective match coverage, reporting ethics, content management, and standardized documentation, ensuring the Prosperity Cup continues to meet both national and international media standards.

Meanwhile, the organizers confirmed that the official kickoff ceremony of the 2026 Prosperity Cup is scheduled for February 19, 2026, subject to the approval of His Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State, and the organizing committee. Full competitive matches are expected to commence on March 1, 2026.

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