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Bayelsa Governor’s Prosperity Cup Signs Landmark Partnership with FC Barcelona

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Director General of Bayelsa state Prosperity Cup , Mr Onos Akpe(middle) flanked by other officers

By David Owei,Bayelsa

Organizers of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, have signed a major sports development contract with Spanish football giants, FC Barcelona, ahead of the tournament’s 8th edition.

The historic partnership is set to bring international expertise to Nigeria’s largest grassroots football competition, with a delegation from Barcelona expected in Bayelsa between February 23rd and 25th, 2026.
This was disclosed by the Director General of Bayelsa state Prosperity Cup , Mr Onos Akpe at the World press briefing at Gulden Tulip,Onopa,Yenagoa.

According to him, the 8th edition of the Prosperity Cup is currently underway, with preparations in full swing across the state,adding that
the tournament has consistently promoted youth development, community engagement, and collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, as well as corporate partners.

He posited that “Past editions have seen fierce competition and remarkable talent. In 2025, Eternal Grace Ministry (EGM) FC of Yenagoa LGA emerged champions, defeating Bayelsa United Feeders in the final. Other previous winners include Crusaders FC, Ekeremor LGA (2023), and Ogbonibiri FC, Southern Ijaw LGA (2024). Local government area champions from the 2025 edition also featured Sangana FC (Brass LGA) and Youbolobo FC (Ekeremor LGA) among the runners-up.”

Director General of the tournament, Ono Akpe, expressed optimism about the Barcelona partnership, saying it would enhance sports development in Bayelsa and provide invaluable exposure for young players. “The Prosperity Cup is more than a competition; it is an inclusive platform that carries every resident and community along, regardless of location or background,” Akpe noted.

“The tournament, widely regarded as Nigeria’s premier grassroots football event, continues to attract nationwide attention as it prepares to showcase emerging talent, foster youth engagement, and strengthen community ties”
He also disclosed that a world class football academy will be built in the state , which will accommodate selected players and camping , training as observed in other countries, adding that the move will also help to address the issue of having a formal and harmonized players transfers and other deals in the future.
Mr Onos Akpe also revealed that winners of the 8th edition of the prosperity cup in the men’s category will smile home with thirty million naira to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the state, while the second position will get ten million naira and third position will receive five million naira, respectively, with one million naira sets aside for consolation prizes.

Also speaking , Ebi Avi , the Tournament Director said official kick off date has been slated for February 19th and will be followed by other programs like training of coaches , media practitioners , match coordinators as well as refreshers courses for referees .
He noted the competition will kick of from Brass Local government area on the 1st of March before shifting to other local government areas with finals tentatively fixed for June 2nd.
The Director General of the Bayelsa state prosperity cup , Onos Akpe used the opportunity to express his gratitude to governor Douye Diri for his unwavering commitment and dedication to sports development , just as he also extolled the efforts of the sports Development commissioner , Hon Daniel Igali and other stakeholders.

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More Talents Spotted in Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup Tourney ‎ ‎… As Competition Enters Matchday Three ‎

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Bayelsa United team

By David Owei,Bayelsa

‎The quest to return Bayelsa United to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL next season is gradually gaining momentum with twelve participating teams showcasing their talents in the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup pre-season tournament.

‎The competition, targeted at discovering home-grown talents that would be integrated into the Bayelsa United team next season, has the 2026 Prosperity Cup finalists apart from champions, Okoroma United, whose players are currently undergoing trials in different teams outside the state.

‎Bayelsa Starlets Academy in the first match of matchday two showed class as they whitewashed AJ Inter Soccer Academy 4-1 with goals from Silas Benjamin, Udake Joel and a brace from Nathaniel Ojigbere.

‎Former champions, Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene were held to a barren draw by rugged and determined Brazil FC. Ereme Jackson humbled NDU Oilers FC by three goals to one while Bayelsa United Feeders in the last match of the day edged out Grassroots FC with two unreplied goals.

‎The tournament will enter match day three on Saturday, 25th July, 2026. Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC will take on Grassroots FC in the first match at 11.00am, Bayelsa Starlets will keep a date with Mountain of Fire Miracle Ministry, MFM FC at 12.30pm

‎Prosperity Cup finalist, Akinima Biogbo will battle Ereme Jackson of Port-Harcourt at 2.00pm while Federal University of Otuoke, FUO Kings FC will lock horns with Brazil FC in the last match of matchday three at 3.30pm at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

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Bayelsa United Chairman calls for synergy between Feeder,Senior Teams as Season begins

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Players warming up for the football competition

By David Owei

‎Chairman of the Interim Board of Bayelsa United Football Club, Dr. Peter Singabele has stressed the need for collaboration between the Feeder team and senior teams of Bayelsa United

‎Dr. Singabele made the call while addressing coaches and players of the Feeder team shortly after their training session at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Wednesday.

‎He noted that for the club to succeed in it’s aspirations of returning the team to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL that coaches from both Feeders and the senior team must work hand in gloves to achieve its objectives.

‎According to him, the Feeder team is the foundation of every club in the world and not a dumping ground for players but a veritable platform for nurturing talented players that are capable of gaining promotion to the senior team.

‎Dr Singabele asserted that the board was deliberate about the growth of the Feeder team and that they are desirous of seeing more players from Feeder graduate into the main team, noting that the Feeder team serves as a “breeding ground”.

‎He hinted that preparations are underway for them to have a fruitful season, maintaining that the registration process for the Nigeria Youth League has been completed successfully.

‎”The feeder team is not a dumping ground. You must be up to the task of playing for this club. We must not compromise the growth of Bayelsa United. Because If properly managed, the feeder team will be the future of the senior team,” he said.

‎He explained that the board would thoroughly scrutinize players before they are considered for promotion, insisting that only those who meet the required standards would be considered into the first team, urging players to be professionals in the discharge of their duties.

‎The chairman assured the players and coaches that the board remains committed to improving their welfare, stating that the board is poised to provide a conducive environment for them to perform at their optimum.

‎Dr Singabele who described the NNL as a more difficult league, urged the players to be determined in their quest to bring the team back to the top flight at the end of the season, saying that one of the objectives of the pre-season tournament is to discover talents that would feature in the team.

‎Also speaking, Bayelsa United Assistant Coach, Ngozi Elechi, charged the players in the Feeder team to make use of the opportunity before them, stressing that outstanding players would be promoted to the senior team.

‎Bayelsa United Feeders are currently preparing for the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup pre-season tournament aimed at identifying and developing home grown talented players for possible integration into the senior team ahead of the upcoming football season.


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Bayelsa United Resumes Training, Targets NPFL Return

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Players in preparation for 2026/2027 Nigeria National League

‎By David Owei,Bayelsa

‎Bayelsa United have resumed preparations for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League, NNL with their first training session at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa

‎The session, which marked the start of pre-season activities for the club was supervised by the club’s technical crew, led by assistant coach Ngozi Elechi alongside Anderson West.

The Bayelsa united players


‎The players underwent light fitness drills and tactical routines as the coaching crew assessed their conditioning ahead of a more intensive build-up programme.

‎More players are expected to join the team in the coming days as preparations for the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup Pre-season tournament in Yenagoa gathers momentum in line with the vision of the governor, Senator Douye Diri to return the team back to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL at the end of the 2026/27 season.

‎Before training commenced, a member of the board, Godson Ekarde charged the players to approach the new season with discipline, dedication and a strong winning mentality, describing the campaign as “a season of serious business” for the club.

‎Mr. Ekarde, said the management is committed to providing the support the team needs to compete strongly in the NNL and secure promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

‎He urged both players and the technical crew to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering an improved performance and more consistent results throughout the season.

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