Sports
FC Barcelona Confirm Participation in Prosperity Cup 2026
By David Owei,Bayelsa
Ahead of the 2026 edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, officials of Spanish football giants, FC Barcelona have confirmed their willingness to participate in the tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup.
The confirmation is contained in a letter addressed to the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe and signed by the Technical Director of Barca Academy, Mr Bernat Villa Gorriz, who doubles as the Project Director of Project Africa.
Powered by the Organizers of the Prosperity Cup,Red Sapphire Ltd and the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, in conjunction with Whiz-Kid Ventures, Netherlands-based accredited agents of FC Barcelona, the coaches training programme will feature two FC Barcelona coaches who will be taking the Bayelsa grassroots football coaches through a series of sessions on modern coaching skills and techniques, with particular focus on the methodology and philosophy of the Spanish club.
The Barca Academy Technical Director equally said the club will take advantage of their visit to explore other areas of possible collaboration with the State.
The letter states in part, “We are writing to confirm our participation in the Coaching Clinic scheduled for 23-25, February 2026, in Bayelsa State, which is part of the activities of the Bayelsa State Governor’s Tournament (Prosperity Cup) 2026.
“The Training will comprise practical and theoretical sessions to be conducted by two (2) FC Barcelona coaches. It will focus on sharing the methodology and philosophy that the club has developed over the years.
“We would also use the opportunity of the visit for the clinic to hold series of meetings and explore other potential collaborations with Bayelsa State.
“We look forward to our trip to Bayelsa State.”
Discussions during the visit will also focus on preparing the groundwork for the establishment of the world-class FC Barcelona Academy in Bayelsa State.
Other areas of potential collaboration include the training of local referees, football administrators, talent identification and placement of discovered talents in schools, academics and clubs to further their development.
This confirmation of participation by officials of FC Barcelona is an eloquent testimony of the stature and reputation of the Prosperity Cup as the biggest grassroots football tournament in Nigeria.
Prosperity Cup Season 8 will officially kick-off on Thursday, February 19, 2026 while the various centre matches will commence on Sunday, March 1, 2026 with the Brass centre leading the way. The third place match is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026 while the grand finale will come up on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Champions in the male category of this special “Bayelsa @ 30” edition of the competition will receive the sum of N30 million while runners-up will go home with the sum of N10 million and in the female category, the winners will smile to the bank with the sum of N10 million while the runners-up will be five million Naira richer.
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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