F.J.M Media

‎... As Round  of 16 Fixtures Get Underway  ‎ ‎Bayelsa United Feeders have been eliminated from the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, Nigeria's biggest grassroots football showpiece, tagged the Prosperity Cup a week after triumphing in the Yenagoa LGA championship.  ‎ ‎Southern Ijaw LGA champions, NDU Oilers FC beat Bayelsa United Feeders 5-4 on penalties after a two all draw in regulation time in a tie decided at the Tombia centre. Kilete Micah put NDU Oilers ahead on 32 minutes from a beautiful header.  ‎ ‎David Igbogidi levelled the scoreline two minutes into the second half from a rebounded effort. NDU Oilers went ahead again on 72 minutes from Haidah Ebiketein's strike. Christopher Biki restored parity for Feeders on 75 minutes to stretch the encounter into penalty shootout. ‎ ‎Sagbama LGA champions, Kolobiriowei FC at the Ayamasa centre pipped hard-fighting Osunmabio FC by a lone goal, courtesy of Israel Ebipade's 90th minute strike in what co...

‎ ‎By Hananeel Jackson  ‎ ‎After weeks of exciting football across 30 different centres in Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, the men have started being separated from the boys.  ‎ ‎A total of 257 teams, comprising 227 in the men's category, 28 in the women's category and two para-soccer sides, will jostle for the total prize money of ₦80,000,000.00 in this year's edition of the showpiece.  ‎ ‎Governor Douye Diri on Thursday,  ‎26th of February, 2026 took the ceremonial kick-off of the tournament to herald this year's edition of the soccer fiesta after a series of capacity building training programmes for the personnel of all departments of the competition.  ‎ ‎The competition was kick-started in both Sangana and Okpoama centres in Brass LGA on the 7th of March, 2026 with the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, who was represent...

‎... As Action Resumes on Friday ‎ ‎It was a harvest of goals across the four different centres in day one of the women's version of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.  ‎ ‎A total of 55 goals was scored across the four centres namely Kpansia; Swali; Golf Pitch, Onopa and the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, BDGS centre, with fans treated to exciting football.  ‎ ‎Former champions, Golden Sun Sports Club, Ogboloma at the Government House Golf pitch, Onopa, defeated Seaside Amazons FA 4-3 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time while Tigress FC of University of Africa, Toru-Orua in the second game of the centre pipped Golden Jeremiah United of Ogbia one nil to secure qualification to next phase of the competition. ‎ ‎Diongoli Babes at the Swali Centre edged out Igbogene Starlight by two unreplied goals to move into the next phase. Bayelsa Queens Feeders in th...

‎ ‎... Organizers Heap Praises on Institution for Continuous Support  ‎ ‎The organizers of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, have presented the tournament branded jerseys to its lead sponsor, Premium Trust Bank. ‎ ‎The presentation was done at the Premium Trust Bank Regional Office in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, ahead of the grand finale of the tournament on May 8, 2026 ‎ ‎Regional Head of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Danjuma Omeje, alongside Yenagoa Branch Manager, Mr. Festus Anwulichukwu Osih received the jerseys on behalf of the Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim.  ‎ ‎Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe in a remark, said the essence of the visit was to appreciate the financial institution for their unwavering support towards sports development in the State, stating that their continuous involvement has given sports a new direction....

‎... As Edi 1 FC, Okoroma United, MLDM FC, Others, Secure Round  of 16 Slots  ‎ ‎Ogbia LGA champions, Movers FC of Otuasega have been booted out of Season eight of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup. ‎ ‎Brass LGA runners-up, Igoni FC of Odioama edged out Movers FC by three goals to one in an encounter decided at the Opu-Nembe Stadium. Lawrence Grickson put Odioama ahead on 16 minutes from a beautiful finish.  ‎ ‎Olali Abinani levelled the scoreline for Movers FC on 78 minutes to give the Ogbia champions a lifeline but their hopes of progressing were dashed on 83 minutes when Lawrence Grickson struck again to complete his brace. Wilfred Victor on 88 minutes scored the third goal to compound Movers FC's woes. ‎ ‎Fantuo FC of Fantuo at the beautiful Okpoama Island, off the Atlantic Ocean, beat Brass LGA champions, Mini FC of Minibie by a lone goal. Courtesy of Gina Yai...

‎ ‎... As LGA Finals Climax In Yenagoa LGA  ‎ ‎Mini FC of Minibie have been crowned champions of Brass Local Government Area in Nigeria's biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.  ‎ ‎The Sangana centre winners pipped Igoni FC of Odioma by a lone goal to become Brass LGA champions courtesy of Provide Morris' 56th minute strike to give the Minibie side the deserved victory.  ‎ ‎Champions, Mini FC are the latest team to join Okoroma United, Movers FC of Otuasega, Kolobiriowei FC of Bolou Orua, Osunmabio FC, Odi United and NDU Oilers FC to win their respective LGA's as the Round of 32 approaches.  ‎ ‎Brass LGA champions, Mini FC received ₦1,000,000 for winning the LGA championship while runners-up Ogoni FC got ₦500,000. ‎ ‎An elated coach of Mini FC, Messiah Benson in his post-match reaction, said the triumph means a lot to the people of Akassa kingdom, maintaining that the victory ...

‎ ‎... As LGA Finals' Hostility Moves to Southern Ijaw ‎ ‎Odi United have emerged champions of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area in Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.  ‎ ‎Odi United beat Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC 4-3 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time in an encounter decided at the Kaiama pitch on Thursday, 16th April, 2026.  ‎ ‎After a scoreless first stanza, the second half continued in a conservative approach from both teams but it was Odi United that should have taken the lead after a well delivered ball for Francis Idua but he blasted it wide.  ‎ ‎Minutes after Odi United would have paid dearly for their earlier miss when MLDM FC had a good attempt to be in front but the goalkeeper of Odi produced a spectacular save to still keep his team in the game.  ‎ ‎Champion, Odi United received ₦1,000,000 for their effort while ru...

  ‎ ‎. ..As Women Affairs Commissioner Expresses Delight Over Women's Football Growth  ‎ ‎Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi says the introduction of the women's category of the Prosperity Cup has changed the fortunes of women football in the State. ‎ ‎The commissioner made the assertion at the opening ceremony of this year's women's version of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.  ‎ ‎Hon Gigi noted that the introduction of the women's tournament was indicative of the State's investment in women football, pointing out that the future of women's football is bright with the Prosperity Cup. ‎ ‎Hon. Gigi said she was pleased with the quality of football displayed by the two teams pitched against each other in the ceremonial op...

  ‎ ‎... As Prosperity Cup Train Lands Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA ‎ ‎A new champion has emerged in Sagbama Local Government Area in Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.  ‎ ‎Kolobiriowei FC of Bulou-Orua triumphed two nil against Agoro FC of Agoro in the Sagbama LGA final decided at the Ebedebiri community field on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.  ‎ ‎Arepade Asu put Kolobiriowei FC in front on 18 minutes from a well-taken, inch-perfect set-piece to keep the Bulou-Orua side's hopes of winning the Sagbama LGA final for the first time, having conquered the Sagbama LGA defending champions, Agbere FC in the preliminary round of the tournament.  ‎ ‎Olomu John on 65 minutes added another to seal Kolobiriowei FC's victory after a dominant second half performance ensuring that they returned home with smiles.  ‎ ‎Champion, Kolobiriowei FC received ₦1,000,000 for their triump...

The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) warmly congratulates Mr. Lambert Bibowei Harrison on his well-deserved appointment as the Director of Sports in Bayelsa State. In a message signed by the association's Chairman, Mrs Timinepre Ohia, and Secretary, Mr Patrick Ndubuisi released this Wednesday says the appointment is a testament to Mr. Bibowei's longstanding dedication, professionalism, and invaluable contributions to the development of sports in the state and beyond.  Bayelsa SWAN notes with confidence that Mr. Bibowei'’s wealth of experience and vision will further reposition the sports sector in the state, enhance talent discovery, and strengthen Bayelsa’s reputation as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.  His appointment comes at a critical time when strategic leadership is needed to consolidate past achievements and chart a new course for sustainable growth. The association expresses optimism that under his stewardship, ...

Bayelsa's athletics team had an impressive outing in Day One at the ongoing MTN CHAMPS at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State. Rising star, Tejiri Godwin who was recently invited by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for the World Relays in Botswana, led the charge, running a Personal Best of 10:32 sec to win his heat in the 100m event for male. Similarly, Augustine Nwazuruike also won his heat with a time of 10:57 sec, while, Winifred Awonusi ran a time of 10:77sec.  In the 400m event for male, Sisan Efejuku ran to a blistering time of 47:70sec to win his heat to qualify for the finals, while Faye Perfect who also took a shot at the event had a time 48:14 and Tamunotonye Abagwo ran 48:88 sec. For the 400m U- 20 event, Samson Tebowei and Mekioniso Messiah both ran 50:72 and 50:91 respectively. In the female 400m event for junior, Faith Ezechukwu ran a time of 54:63 sec, with Eniola Odutan wrapping up the days event by winning the h...

‎ ‎... As Tournament Train Lands in Sagbama LGA  ‎ ‎Krusaders FC of Peretorugbene have been dethroned as Ekeremor Local Government Area champions in Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup. ‎ ‎Osunmaibio FC of Osunmaibio ‎beat Krusaders FC 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout to emerge champions of Ekeremor LGA for the first time after a one-all draw in regulation time in an encounter decided at the Ayamasa community pitch.  ‎ ‎Osunmaibio FC have now joined Okoroma United and Movers FC, who won the Nembe and Ogbia LGA finals respectively. ‎ ‎Bada Jude put Osunmaibio FC ahead on 62 minutes from a beautiful finish to silence favourites, Krusaders FC's fans who were playing in the finals of the LGA for the third consecutive time having won the last two editions. ‎ ‎When it seemed Osunmaibio FC were coasting home to victory, Clinton Joseph leveled the scoreline to send the encou...

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the appointment of Lambert Bibowei Harrison as the substantive Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council.  Mr Bibowei appointment comes months after the retirement of Sir Braveman Wodi, whereby Mr. Andrew Ayi has been serving in an acting capacity. According to Honourable Baraladei Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, the appointment takes immediate effect with the mandate to reposition the state as one of the leading states in Sports Mr Lambert Bibowei Harrison has built his own CV as well serving in different capacities, particularly as the Secretary Planning Committee for Team Bayelsa contingent to Ogun State during the 2024 National Sports Festival where the state took 3rd position  Similarly, he played the same role when Bayelsa State won the maiden Niger Delta Games in Uyo ahead of Delta State, a feat that got the whole country stunned.  The new Director o...

‎... As Prosperity Cup LGA Train Moves to Ekeremor ‎ ‎Movers FC of Otuasega have reclaimed the Ogbia Local Government Area title in Nigeria's biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup. Movers FC, the 2024 winners of the Ogbia LGA final, lost it to Citiboi FC last year but fought gallantly this year to reclaim the title. ‎ ‎Movers FC overpowered Edi 1 FC of Ayakoro, the team of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, by three goals to two in an absorbing final decided at ‎the Imiringi Township Stadium to lift the trophy.  ‎ ‎Okilo Godgift put Movers FC in front from skipper Elton Mina's perfect effort to dislodge Edi 1 FC backline as Okilo Godgift perfectly slotted in the ball to send the Otuasega fans into wild celebration. Edi 1 FC responded immediately through Joshua Jasa's effort from Movers FC's defensive blunder to level the ...

‎ ‎... As Assembly Member, LGA Boss, Splash Cash on Teams ‎ ‎Okoroma United of Okoroma have emerged champions of Nembe Local Government Area in Nigeria's biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.  ‎ ‎Okoroma United walloped Fantuo FC of Fantuo by six goals to nil in the Nembe LGA final to emerge as champions in an encounter decided at the Nembe City Stadium, Nembe on Sunday.  ‎ ‎The Nembe City centre winners wasted no time before stamping their authority in the game when Itaribo Opubo opened the flood gate of goals for his Okoroma-based side just six minutes into the game, after several misses from his side.  ‎ ‎Noble Erasmus headed the second goal for his team on 33 minutes of the game. Itaribo Opubo again, scored two quick goals to put the game beyond their opponents' reach to make it 4-0, with his third goal being applauded by the fans present at the Nembe City stadium. ‎ ‎Nobl...

The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association has announced new team leaders as it continues its push for excellence on the national stage. In a statement released on April 12, the association named Mathew John as the new Team Captain. A gold medalist at the National Sports Festival 2024 and a student of Benson Idahosa University, John was praised for his dedication and steady rise within the system. Also appointed is Anointing Moses as the Para Team Captain, with the association highlighting his consistency, resilience, and winning mentality. The development follows Bayelsa’s impressive victory in the mixed doubles event at the 5th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships in Osun State in 2025. The team had also won the singles title at the same tournament three years earlier. Bayelsa’s dominance in the sport is further underlined by its clean sweep of gold medals in the able category (singles, doubles, and team events), f...

‎The Central Organizing Committee (COC) ‎of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, has concluded arrangements for this year's local government area (LGA) finals across the right local government areas of the State.  ‎ ‎This was contained in a statement signed by Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi in preparation for this year's edition of the LGA finals after weeks of beautiful football across thirty different centres. ‎ ‎The statement says the LGA finals will begin in Nembe LGA on Sunday, 12th April, 2026 at the Nembe City Stadium as high-scoring Okoroma United of Okoroma battles Fantuo FC of Fantuo for the ₦1,000,000 prize money at stake.  Hon. Braah Oteigbanyo, the Member representing Nembe Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly and Hon. David Alagoa, Chairman of Member Local Government Council are expected to be on hand to cheer the boys. ‎According to the st...

‎ ‎Organizers of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, have congratulated Arise T.V. News reporter, Ovieteme George on his Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) award as Best Reporter of the Year.  ‎ ‎Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe in a congratulatory message on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee (COC), said the award reflects the invaluable contributions of Mr. Ovieteme George in projecting the Niger Delta region and Bayelsa State in particular.  ‎ ‎The statement describes Mr George as Nigeria's finest journalist whose passion for his job has continued to impact Arise Television, maintaining that the latest award speaks volumes of Mr George's commitment to  national development.  ‎ ‎According to the statement,  Ovieteme George has made Arise News T.V. a delight to watch with constant reporting of the problems bedevilling the people of the...

‎... As Tournament Commences in Kolga LGA ‎ ‎The National Youths Service Corps, NYSC FC produced one of the greatest comebacks in the 2026 edition of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.  ‎ ‎NYSC FC came from two goals down to beat United Stars 4-2 on penalties after a two-all draw in regulation time to advance into the round of 32 in an encounter decided at the Golf Course, Onopa, Yenagoa. ‎ ‎Ifeanyi Johnson put United Stars ahead three minutes into the game from a beautiful finish. Genesis Ebi doubled the lead for United Stars on 16 minutes to rekindle their hopes of winning the tournament.  ‎ ‎Ugoh Victor on 83 minutes reduced the deficit for the NYSC side to give the NYSC team a lifeline, having taken charge of the game but when it looks like United Stars were coasting home with victory, Joshua Xaga scored on 86 minutes to drag the game into the anxiety of penalty shoo...

Kingdom Stars Football Academy emerged champions of the One-Day Easter Kids Cup after a thrilling 3–2 penalty shootout victory over Stardom Life Football Academy, following a 2–2 draw in regulation time. The exciting grassroots tournament, which kicked off at 8:00 a.m., was held at Hamilton Sports Garden in Ekeki, Yenagoa. The competition brought together talented young footballers between the ages of 5 and 10 from various academies across Bayelsa State. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the coordinator of the programme, Coach Ada Gwegwe, expressed his satisfaction with the event and its impact on youth development. “I am happy—this is what I have been doing for years, so it’s nothing new to me. I’m especially pleased with the turnout and the encouragement from parents. This is the only way we can get it right in our football. For a very long time, we have not produced national team players. I want to use this opportunity to call on the state governm...

By Francis Joseph  Bayelsa State is set to host the historic maiden edition of the Yenagoa City 10KM Race, drawing attention from both local and international communities. The event was unveiled at a press conference held at the Golden Tulip Hotel on April 3, 2026, under the theme “Exposing Bayelsa to the World Through Sports Development,” highlighting the state’s ambition to expand its presence on the global sporting stage. Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, described the race as a landmark initiative that will elevate Bayelsa’s reputation. He expressed confidence in the state’s preparedness and encouraged widespread participation. The Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, revealed that more than 1,000 athletes have already signed up. She commended Governor Douye Diri and partners for their support, noting that necessary logistics, including medical and technical teams, are fully in place. Participants will co...

Team Bayelsa continued their impressive campaign at the ongoing National Para Games in Abuja, securing 6 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medals as the games enters it's final stretch. Para Athletics led the charge with four gold, two silver, and three bronze medals. The women's sitting Volleyball team also won gold, but their male counterparts could only settle for a bronze medal. Wheelchair Tennis also added a gold medal to the tally. In Para Badminton, the team further strengthened their count with one silver and one bronze medal, reflecting consistency across different sporting events. With this latest haul, Team Bayelsa’s overall medal tally now stands at an impressive 30 gold, 29 silver, and 31 bronze medals, keeping them firmly in contention as the race for top honours intensifies. Team Bayelsa continues to demonstrate resilience, depth, and determination as they push for a strong finish at the Games.

The One Day Easter Kids Cup is set to take place tomorrow, April 3rd, 2026, at Hamilton Sports Gurden, Ekeki, Yenagoa. This exciting tournament brings together talented kids aged 5-10 from various football academies in Bayelsa State, including host Yenagoa City Football Academy, Dominion City FA, Kingdom Stars FA, Stardom Life FA, and Okiki Musampa Football Academy. The Easter Kids Cup is more than just a tournament - it's a platform for young dreams to take flight. We've seen it happen before: kids who started small, worked hard, and rose to stardom. Think Victor Osimhen, who played for the Nigerian national team and now stars for Napoli FC; or Kelechi Iheanacho, who began his journey with the Nigerian youth team and now plays for Leicester City. These young players had their big breaks, and who knows - maybe tomorrow's stars are among us! "Early learning will help the kids grow with confidence," says Coach Ada Gwegwe, Coordina...

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has declared close the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics after a week of intense bouts on the mat in Yenagoa  Speaking at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Diri, lauded the level of competition from various participants, describing them all as winners and urged those who missed out on podium finish not to be discouraged, rather use the disappointment as a tool for improvement  Diri noted that Nigeria and Bayelsa have been a fertile ground to breed young athletes in wrestling, expressing his belief that soon Nigerian will produce more world champions  "Let me appreciate all the participants. eventually, you all are winners. In every championship, you will have the gold, sliver, and bronze medalists. A good sports man is the one who participates and completes it and you all have done just that."  "Nigeria and indeed Bayelsa State have been a fertile ground for wrestling and in Af...

Day 5 of the ongoing National Para Games in Abuja witnessed Team Bayelsa continue their impressive medal pursuit, delivering another commendable performance across key events. The highlight of the day came in Wheelchair Table Tennis, where Bayelsa secured 1 gold and 2 bronze medals. The duo of Ajani Idowu and Razak Bankole produced a commanding display in the men’s doubles, overpowering their opponents in straight sets (4-0, 4-0) to clinch gold in emphatic fashion. In the pool, Para Swimming added to the tally with 1 gold and 1 bronze medal, as Bayelsa’s swimmers once again demonstrated resilience and consistency. Para Powerlifting also contributed to the medal haul, with Mesomowo Uncle lifting his way to a bronze medal finish. On the badminton court, Bayelsa’s athletes continued their fine run, delivering a gold medal performance in Para Badminton to further strengthen the team’s standing. At the close of Day 5, Team Bayelsa recorded a total of 3 gold and 4 bro...

‎ ‎.. .As Gov Diri Declares Classic Closed ‎ ‎Host Bayelsa State has emerged the overall champions of the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. ‎ ‎Bayelsa produced a dominant performance in the championship by clinching victories in the Greco-Roman, Women’s Freestyle, men’s freestyle, and Beach Wrestling with over 600 athletes, 30 States and twelve clubs participating in this year’s edition of the classics.  ‎ ‎Bayelsa won the championship with 935 points, amassing 22 gold, 7 sliver, 16 bronze medals, Dynamite club finished second with 475 points with a total of 6 gold, 9 silver, 12 bronze, Delta State came distance third on 270 points, 3 gold, 3 silver and 10 bronze medals.  ‎Cross Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Nigeria Army finished 4th to 7th respectively while Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta State and the ‎Dynamite club equally dominated the newly introduced Beach Wrestling event. ‎ ‎Speaking at the grand...