‎By David Owei, Bayelsa

‎Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC of Odi and Bayelsa Stars of Ovom have claimed the third position in the 2026 edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
‎
‎Bayelsa Stars in the women’s third place match decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa beat Ezougha Queens by three goals to two to run home with the ₦2,000,000 prize money for the second runners-up.
‎
‎Fourth placed Ezougha Queens received the sum of ₦1,000,000 and ₦500,000 for consolation prizes while the ultimate winner of the women’s category of the tournament will smile to the bank with ₦10,000,000.
‎
‎MLDM FC in the men’s third place tie beat Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene 4-3 on penalties after an entertaining three all draw in regulation time. MLDM showed doggedness, determination and strength of character as they rallied back from a 1-3 disadvantage to eventually emerge victorious. Anthony Moses put Krosaders FC ahead on 39 minutes from a long range shot. Ebiye Jeremiah doubled the scoreline on 46 minutes but the Church Boys responded on 50 minutes from Justin Ekubo to give MLDM FC a lifeline after a poor start.
‎
‎Ebiye Jeremiah completed his brace on 67 minutes but MLDM FC reduced the deficit on 74 minutes from another goal by Ekubo Justine. The Coach Collins-tutored side levelled the scoreline on 86 minutes from Moku Peremene’s header to stretch the encounter into penalty shootout.
‎
‎With the victory, MLDM FC are now ₦5,000,000 richer while 4th placed Krosaders FC got ₦2,000,000 and one million naira for other consolation prizes.
‎
‎An elated Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe in an interview, commended the organizers of the tournament for the yearly innovations, maintaining that grassroots remains the bedrock for footballers, and indeed all sports men and women to excel.
‎
‎He noted that beyond the prize money and trophy, the competition has improved women’s football in the State, adding that he is confident that some of the girls participating in the tournament would graduate into the Bayelsa Queens squad in the nearest future.
‎
‎MLDM FC coach, Collins Robert said he was overwhelmed with the victory, that finishing third from among 228 teams is a testament of determination and commitment from the coaches and fans.
‎
‎The grand finale of the spectacle and the official signing of the MoU of the FC Barcelona-affiliated Bayelsa Starlets Academy will come up on Friday, 8th May, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
‎…As Prosperity Cup 2026 Climaxes On Friday
‎

‎Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC of Odi and Bayelsa Stars of Ovom have claimed the third position in the 2026 edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
‎
‎Bayelsa Stars in the women’s third place match decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa beat Ezougha Queens by three goals to two to run home with the ₦2,000,000 prize money for the second runners-up.
‎
‎Fourth placed Ezougha Queens received the sum of ₦1,000,000 and ₦500,000 for consolation prizes while the ultimate winner of the women’s category of the tournament will smile to the bank with ₦10,000,000.
‎
‎MLDM FC in the men’s third place tie beat Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene 4-3 on penalties after an entertaining three all draw in regulation time. MLDM showed doggedness, determination and strength of character as they rallied back from a 1-3 disadvantage to eventually emerge victorious. Anthony Moses put Krosaders FC ahead on 39 minutes from a long range shot. Ebiye Jeremiah doubled the scoreline on 46 minutes but the Church Boys responded on 50 minutes from Justin Ekubo to give MLDM FC a lifeline after a poor start.
‎
‎Ebiye Jeremiah completed his brace on 67 minutes but MLDM FC reduced the deficit on 74 minutes from another goal by Ekubo Justine. The Coach Collins-tutored side levelled the scoreline on 86 minutes from Moku Peremene’s header to stretch the encounter into penalty shootout.
‎
‎With the victory, MLDM FC are now ₦5,000,000 richer while 4th placed Krosaders FC got ₦2,000,000 and one million naira for other consolation prizes.
‎
‎An elated Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe in an interview, commended the organizers of the tournament for the yearly innovations, maintaining that grassroots remains the bedrock for footballers, and indeed all sports men and women to excel.
‎
‎He noted that beyond the prize money and trophy, the competition has improved women’s football in the State, adding that he is confident that some of the girls participating in the tournament would graduate into the Bayelsa Queens squad in the nearest future.
‎
‎MLDM FC coach, Collins Robert said he was overwhelmed with the victory, that finishing third from among 228 teams is a testament of determination and commitment from the coaches and fans.
‎
‎The grand finale of the spectacle and the official signing of the MoU of the FC Barcelona-affiliated Bayelsa Starlets Academy will come up on Friday, 8th May, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

‎Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC of Odi and Bayelsa Stars of Ovom have claimed the third position in the 2026 edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
‎
‎Bayelsa Stars in the women’s third place match decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa beat Ezougha Queens by three goals to two to run home with the ₦2,000,000 prize money for the second runners-up.
‎
‎Fourth placed Ezougha Queens received the sum of ₦1,000,000 and ₦500,000 for consolation prizes while the ultimate winner of the women’s category of the tournament will smile to the bank with ₦10,000,000.
‎
‎MLDM FC in the men’s third place tie beat Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene 4-3 on penalties after an entertaining three all draw in regulation time. MLDM showed doggedness, determination and strength of character as they rallied back from a 1-3 disadvantage to eventually emerge victorious. Anthony Moses put Krosaders FC ahead on 39 minutes from a long range shot. Ebiye Jeremiah doubled the scoreline on 46 minutes but the Church Boys responded on 50 minutes from Justin Ekubo to give MLDM FC a lifeline after a poor start.
‎
‎Ebiye Jeremiah completed his brace on 67 minutes but MLDM FC reduced the deficit on 74 minutes from another goal by Ekubo Justine. The Coach Collins-tutored side levelled the scoreline on 86 minutes from Moku Peremene’s header to stretch the encounter into penalty shootout.
‎
‎With the victory, MLDM FC are now ₦5,000,000 richer while 4th placed Krosaders FC got ₦2,000,000 and one million naira for other consolation prizes.
‎
‎An elated Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe in an interview, commended the organizers of the tournament for the yearly innovations, maintaining that grassroots remains the bedrock for footballers, and indeed all sports men and women to excel.
‎
‎He noted that beyond the prize money and trophy, the competition has improved women’s football in the State, adding that he is confident that some of the girls participating in the tournament would graduate into the Bayelsa Queens squad in the nearest future.
‎
‎MLDM FC coach, Collins Robert said he was overwhelmed with the victory, that finishing third from among 228 teams is a testament of determination and commitment from the coaches and fans.
‎
‎The grand finale of the spectacle and the official signing of the MoU of the FC Barcelona-affiliated Bayelsa Starlets Academy will come up on Friday, 8th May, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
‎Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC of Odi and Bayelsa Stars of Ovom have claimed the third position in the 2026 edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
‎
‎Bayelsa Stars in the women’s third place match decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa beat Ezougha Queens by three goals to two to run home with the ₦2,000,000 prize money for the second runners-up.
‎
‎Fourth placed Ezougha Queens received the sum of ₦1,000,000 and ₦500,000 for consolation prizes while the ultimate winner of the women’s category of the tournament will smile to the bank with ₦10,000,000.
‎
‎MLDM FC in the men’s third place tie beat Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene 4-3 on penalties after an entertaining three all draw in regulation time. MLDM showed doggedness, determination and strength of character as they rallied back from a 1-3 disadvantage to eventually emerge victorious. Anthony Moses put Krosaders FC ahead on 39 minutes from a long range shot. Ebiye Jeremiah doubled the scoreline on 46 minutes but the Church Boys responded on 50 minutes from Justin Ekubo to give MLDM FC a lifeline after a poor start.
‎
‎Ebiye Jeremiah completed his brace on 67 minutes but MLDM FC reduced the deficit on 74 minutes from another goal by Ekubo Justine. The Coach Collins-tutored side levelled the scoreline on 86 minutes from Moku Peremene’s header to stretch the encounter into penalty shootout.
‎
‎With the victory, MLDM FC are now ₦5,000,000 richer while 4th placed Krosaders FC got ₦2,000,000 and one million naira for other consolation prizes.
‎
‎An elated Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe in an interview, commended the organizers of the tournament for the yearly innovations, maintaining that grassroots remains the bedrock for footballers, and indeed all sports men and women to excel.
‎
‎He noted that beyond the prize money and trophy, the competition has improved women’s football in the State, adding that he is confident that some of the girls participating in the tournament would graduate into the Bayelsa Queens squad in the nearest future.
‎
‎MLDM FC coach, Collins Robert said he was overwhelmed with the victory, that finishing third from among 228 teams is a testament of determination and commitment from the coaches and fans.
‎
‎The grand finale of the spectacle and the official signing of the MoU of the FC Barcelona-affiliated Bayelsa Starlets Academy will come up on Friday, 8th May, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

By David Owei, Bayelsa

‎Ahead of the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU that will pave the way for the setting up of the FC Barcelona-affiliated Bayelsa Starlets Academy, officials of the Spanish football giants have expressed satisfaction with facilities on ground.

The FC Barcelona officials made the assertion while speaking shortly after a facilities tour to the Bayelsa Medical University, BMU Hostels, the Sampou campus of the institution, Belary Montessori International School, along Tombia/Imiringi Road and the ongoing 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene in Yenagoa, the State capital.

The tour, which was led by the Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Pere Efeke, was to ascertain the suitability and level of construction work done on the facilities, expected to facilitate the take-off of the Bayelsa Starlet Academy.
‎
‎While speaking shortly after the tour, FC Barcelona Technical Adviser, Mr Alberto Lafuente, said
he was pleased with what he saw on ground during the visit.

Mr Lafuente, who noted that the state government was being intentional in its plan to set up the Bayelsa Starlets Academy, said the academy, when fully operational, would rewrite the story of grassroots footballers in the state in the nearest future.
‎
‎Also, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Pere Efeke remarked that the ministry was committed to the development of sports, stating that the academy would take the youths off the streets.
‎
‎He stated that the ongoing construction work at the stadium would be completed at the stipulated time, maintaining that the Prosperity Cup has become the pride of grassroots football in the country.
‎
‎Earlier, Vice Chancellor, Bayelsa Medical University, BMU, Prof. Dimie Ogoina represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ligha Aloysius Ebi, noted that beyond the award of certificates, the institution accords priority to sports development.
‎
‎Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe earlier in an address, said Sampou would be the permanent site for the academy, that the target would be for players to combine education and their football career.
‎
‎Meanwhile, in the on-going Prosperity Cup, the third place matches for both men and women will come up on Thursday, 7th of May, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium where the Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC will battle Krosaders FC at 3.00pm
‎
‎Ezeougha Oueens will face Bayelsa Stars in the women’s category at 1.00pm, with the grand finale in both the men and women’s categories, slated for Friday, 8th of May, 2026.

By Owei David, Yenagoa

Akinima/Biogbo FC of Ogboloma in Yenagoa Local Government Area and Okoroma United from Okoroma in Nembe LGA will battle for the ₦30,000,000 prize money in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
‎
‎Akinima/Biogbo beat former champions, Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene by two goals to one in an encounter decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, to qualify for the final of the tournament for the first time.
‎
‎Defending champions, Afini Ladies of Amarata square up against Active Ladies in the women’s category. Goals from Augustine Chidinma, Favour Ufiaka, Ogolo Blessing at halftime on 17, 25 and 30 minutes respectively gave Afini Ladies the well-deserved victory.
‎
‎Okoroma United in the first semi-final overpowered Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC by three goals to two to reach a historic tournament final.
‎
‎A hat trick from Noble Erasmus on 5, 54, 73 minutes was all Okoroma needed to sail through. Goals by midfielder, Omoro Bright on 45 minutes and James Ofiefemote just before the final whistle were not enough to see MLDM FC through to the final of the competition.
‎
‎The third place match will see Krosaders FC up against MLDM FC of Odi at 3.00pm while Ezougha Queens will entertain Bayelsa Stars in the women’s category at 1.00pm.
‎
‎The FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup scouting programme entered day two with beautiful display of football by players in the Under-15 and Under-19 categories.
‎
‎The Prosperity Cup/Barcelona FC partnership, facilitated by Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-kid Ventures of the Netherlands, will culminate into the establishment of a world-class football academy in Yenagoa, where products of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament would be nurtured and mentored as the historical signing of the MoU gets underway this weekend.
‎
‎The Member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba, noted that the competition has given a new direction to the development of female football in the State.
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‎According to her, football has moved from a recreational activity to a money-spinnng venture, urging the young ladies to combine their sporting career along side education, which will serve as a buffer after retirement from active sports.
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‎A visibly satisfied coach of Akinima/Biogbo, Ibomotimi Fyneface in his post-match reaction, said the victory reflects the commitment and the determination of the team, pointing out that their aim was to lift the trophy and smile home with the N30 million prize money.
‎
‎Also, Man of the match, Omasua Wisdom, said he was pleased with the show of determination by his team mates throughout the encounter, that their attention has now moved to the final of the tournament coming up on Friday, May 8, 2026.