Sports
Prosperity Cup Coaching Clinic Begins in Yenagoa, ***Eguavoen, Participants, Applaud Bayelsa Govt
By David Owei, Bayelsa
A coaching clinic for grassroot coaches in Bayelsa State put up by the organizers of Nigeria’s biggest football showpiece, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the “Prosperity Cup” has commenced in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The exercise, which is in its 3rd edition, is in collaboration with Nigerian Football Federation and the Bayelsa State Football Association and is aimed at preparing local coaches ahead of the season seven edition of the Prosperity Cup.
Declaring the clinic opened, chairman of the Bayelsa State Football Association, Barr Poubeni Ogun, said grassroots coaches in the state are fortunate to have a platform that is capable of making them better coaches.
While commending the organizers of the Prosperity Cup for the programme, Barr Ogun hinted that henceforth no coach would be allowed to manage a team without a CAF B-License coaching certificate.
He noted that the state football-ruling body and the organizers of the Prosperity Cup are working out modalities to ensure that grassroots coaches in the state have NFF coaching D-License certificate, stating that the National Institute of Sports, NIS certificate is no longer a criteria to manage a team.
Earlier, Director General of the Prosperity tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe in an address of welcome, remarked that the exercise was a preliminary workshop to prepare the coaches for the eventual (NFF) D coaching licence programme slated for later this year.
According to him, the clinic was designed to train coaches in Bayelsa to realize their potentials as gaffers and to as well earn proper certification in coaching, noting that about fifty coaches have been selected for the NFF D coaching programme.
He explained that the essence of the exercise was to sharpen the technical abilities of grassroots coaches in the state, and expressed joy that the Prosperity Cup is achieving its objectives apart from winning trophies.
Mr. Akpe lauded the governor, Senator Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali for providing the platform for grassroots coaches in the state to enhance their capacity.
Resource person and NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen asserted that he is positive that the programme would improve grassroots coaches in the state, maintaining that his dream is to see these coaches manage big players in the future.
He commended the Bayelsa State government and organizers of the tournament for conceiving the vision to impact the coaches.
Two coaches, Awala Kpunpamo of Bayelsa FA and Anthony Robert of Afini FC expressed gratitude to the governor, Senator Douye Diri and organizers for investing in the coaches.
The duo noted that the programme would equip grassroots coaches in Bayelsa with modern coaching techniques and also improve the quality of football during the tournament.
The exercise which would end on Friday enters day two on Wednesday, with the venue at the NUJ Press Centre, Azikoro Road, Ekeki, Yenagoa.
A total of fifty coaches are participating in the exercise.
Sports
Mr. Kiloshele (NAUS Presidential Candidate)* Engages *NAUS FCT,* *NANS FCT* and *YSCN* Leadership; Receives Strong Grassroots Support
By David Owei,Bayelsa
*The Kiloshele Campaign Organisation (KCO)* recorded a significant milestone as its principal, *Mr. Kiloshele* held a strategic engagement with key student leaders in the *Federal Capital Territory (FCT)* including representatives of *NAUS FCT,* *NANS FCT* and *YSCN* leadership.
The meeting, which took place at the *University of Abuja at noon on Monday, 13th April 2026*, highlighted ongoing efforts toward political alignment and coalition-building within the Nigerian student movement.
In a show of solidarity and institutional cooperation, the *NANS FCT JCC* Chairman formally received the NAUS presidential aspirant, reaffirming the importance of synergy between NANS and allied student bodies as vital stakeholders in advancing the collective interests of Nigerian students.
*The NAUS CMC* Chairperson, while apologizing for her late arrival, emphasized the importance of the engagement and commended the coordination among leaders, describing it as a reflection of respect, unity and political maturity.
A member of the *KCO* team presented *Mr. Kiloshele’s* candidacy, highlighting his impressive track record in student leadership, grassroots mobilization and consistent involvement in student advocacy. In his address, *Mr. Kiloshele* described himself as a tested and resilient leader, reiterating his sacrifices and long-standing commitment to the student movement, including his advocacy for the restoration of *Student Union Government structures.*
Anchored on the theme “*CAMPUS R.E.S.C.U.E Agenda*,” Mr. Kiloshele unveiled a reform-driven vision aimed at repositioning *NAUS* as a proactive, solution-oriented body. His agenda includes the establishment of an academic support e-commerce platform for students, the revival of the *National Entrepreneurship Training and Capacity Building (NETCAB)* initiative and the expansion of student economic empowerment opportunities. He also aligned his vision with national development efforts by acknowledging the Federal Government’s *NELFUND* initiative.
During the interactive session, stakeholders raised critical issues affecting students, including campus security, financial protection and effective institutional engagement. In response, *Mr. Kiloshele* proposed a decentralized campus security framework (Campus Policing), enhanced student sensitization programs and a results-driven engagement model with government and university authorities, anchored on experience, competence and strategic partnerships.
Participants further emphasized the need for inclusivity, loyalty to and equitable political representation, particularly within the FCT bloc. In response, Mr. Kiloshele assured stakeholders of an inclusive and broad-based administration, pledging to integrate all institutions into his political structure through the creation of a functional media architecture, security committees and strategic appointments.
The engagement concluded on a note of unity and optimism, as stakeholders expressed confidence in *Mr. Kiloshele’s* capacity to unify, reform and reposition *NAUS*. The meeting further strengthened political relationships and set the stage for sustained collaboration ahead of the forthcoming *NAUS* leadership process
Sports
Ruthless Okoroma United Wins Nembe LGA Final….As lawmaker LGA Boss,Splash cash on Team
By David Owei,Bayelsa
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.
Noble Erasmus added in his second goal for Okoroma United to make it 5-0 as talisman, Itaribo Opubo scored his fourth goal of the game to completely annihilate the helpless and hapless Fantuo FC.
Matters got worse for the Fantuo side when their keeper was given a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box.
The winners of the Nembe LGA finals, Okoroma United will smile to the bank with the sum of ₦1,000,000, runners-up Fantuo FC went home with ₦500,000.
In a remark, the Member representing Nembe Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. George Braah, said he was pleased with the performance of both teams, pointing out that the performance speaks volume of the avalanche of talents in the LGA and indeed the entire State.
According to him, the tournament, over the years, has become a veritable platform for young players in the State to showcase their potentials particularly in football.
He pledged the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000) to the winners, Okoroma United while the runners-up, Fantuo FC received three hundred thousand naira ₦300,000.
Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area, Chief David Alagoa, represented by the Political Secretary of the council, Hon. Ambrose Tari, appreciated the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, stating that he was elated with the growth of the competition.
The council boss announced a cash reward of one million naira (₦1,000,000) to champions, Okoroma United and five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000) to the runners-up, Fantuo FC.
Chief Alagoa also pledged that the Council will take full responsibility of both teams for the rest of the competition.
An elated Okoroma United Coach, Ebinimi Festus, in his post-match reaction praised his boys for the show of determination throughout the encounter, maintaining that their attention has moved to the Round 32 slated for later this month.
Also, Fantuo FC coach, Omoh Alex bemoaned his side’s lack of proper training before the encounter that they will improve as the tournament progresses.
The Prosperity Cup train will move to Ogbia LGA on Monday, 13th April, 2026 as enterprising Movers FC of Otuasega battle Edi 1 FC of Ayakoro by 1.00pm at the Imiringi Township Stadium.
Sports
Igali Gets Commonwealth Games Ambassadorial Role*
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Honourable Daniel Igali, has been unveiled as one of Nigeria’s ambassadors for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Olympic and world champion alongside Bayelsa’s finest Blessing Oborodudu, as well as other stakeholders like, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Mallam Saleh Ahmadu, Dr Amos Adamu, Chief Patrick Ekeji, Alhassan Yakmut, and Gbenga Elegbeleye highlighted a blend of technical expertise and athlete representation in a deliberate effort to foster inclusivity, credibility, and performance-driven preparation.
The initiative remains a powerful tool for national unity, youth engagement, and international visibility.
Also, the importance of coordinated stakeholder involvement in ensuring that Team Nigeria is adequately prepared to compete at the highest level.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026,
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