Sports
Organisers of Prosperity Cup Inspect Match Venues … Kick-off fixed for February 26th
By David Owei,Bayelsa
As preparations for the 2026 edition of the Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup, enter top gear, the Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the competition has sent out its technical team to assess the suitability of match venues.
The technical team will be inspecting the proposed match centres to ascertain the condition of the playing turf and how easily accessible the communities are. The technical team will also be conscious of security considerations.
There are a total of 35 proposed match centres across the state with 30 centres scheduled to be selected to mark the 30th anniversary of the state.
According to the schedule of activities unveiled at the Central Organizing Committee meeting held at the Tulip Resort Secretariat of the organisers, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the official kick-off date of the competition has been scheduled for February 26, 2026 to coincide with the presence of technical officials from Spanish football giants, FC Barcelona.
Members of the visiting team from FC Barcelona are expected to join the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri in taking the ceremonial kick-off.
It will be recalled that the organisers of Prosperity Cup, the biggest grassroots football spectacle in the country, recently struck a landmark partnership deal with FC Barcelona through their Netherlands based agents, Whiz-kid Ventures. The deal will see the visiting FC Barcelona technical team conducting a three-day international UEFA-certified coaching clinic for 50 football coaches.
The international coaching clinic is being organized in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development and the Bayelsa State Football Association (BFA) and powered by Abuja-based Sports Marketing firm, Red Sapphire Ltd.
The coach’s training programme, which will be coordinated by Bernard Villa Boas, the Technical Director for Africa Project, 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 FC Barcelona coaching training programme will dovetail into another training to be organized in conjunction with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with the Federation’s Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen as the focal person.
Distribution of kits to the various teams as well as draws for the competition, will be coming up on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The grand finale of the competition is expected to come up on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The visit of the FC Barcelona team will afford them the opportunity to discuss the establishment of a world-class football academy in Bayelsa State.
Other areas of potential collaboration include the training of football administrators, talent identification and placement of discovered talents in schools, academies and clubs to further their development.
Prosperity Cup 2026 is a special edition that is being used to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State and it will also mark the sixth anniversary of Governor Douye Diri’s ‘Assured Prosperity’ Administration.
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.
Meanwhile, plans are being intensified for a hitch-free edition of the tournament with a series of capacity building programmes lined up in the coming weeks. These include training programmes for referees, medical personnel, centre coordinators, as well as media practitioners that will cover the tournament.
Sports
N’Delta Gender Advocacy group, Do Foundation, offer reasons for recognition of individuals as Gender champions,
By David Owei
A Niger Delta based Non-Governmentla Organisation and gender advocacy group, the Do Foundation has outlined reasons for the moves to recognise and award few individuals in the region for exceptional Leadership and commitment to Gender Equality.
According to the Do Foundation, those nominated for the proposed “Gender Champions Hall of Fame ” are recognised for their fight against social injustice and all forms of inequality or oppression and violence.
The Gender Champions Hall of Fame event is a Project by DO- Dise Ogbise Foundation, and scheduled for the 9th, 10th and 11th of October, 2026 while the fund-raising gala night is fixed for the 30th of august 2026 @ Domaris hotel, Sanni Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.
Speaking at the special media briefing, the President and Founder of the Do Foundation, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry noted that the selection committee has been set up to identify, recognize and celebrate individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to gender equality, women’s empowerment, inclusion, social justice and the advancement of opportunities for boys, girls and women who have been affected by gender-based violence and social prejudice.
According to her, the initiative is founded on the conviction that societies progress when individuals who challenge discrimination, open doors for others and promote equal opportunity are publicly recognized and their contributions preserved for posterity.
She said “The Hall of Fame is therefore conceived not merely as an awards platform, but as a repository of exemplary leadership and service—a place where the stories of outstanding gender champions can inspire present and future generations.”
“The inscription of the honors will be in the form of an engravement or etching of inductees’ images, achievements and bios on a more permanent site or hall. Hence, the hall of fame.MANDATE OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEEThe Selection Committee is charged with ensuring that the process of identifying inductees is credible, transparent, inclusive and based on demonstrable achievement”
Dr. Dise Ogbise however announced that the selection committee have been charged with the responsibility of Identifying and considering deserving nominees from public service, politics, law, business, education, medicine, academia, civil society, media, entertainment, traditional institutions, philanthropy and other sectors.Assess measurable contributions to gender equality, women’s advancement, girl-child development, protection of vulnerable persons, including the boy child and access to education, economic empowerment and leadership opportunities.
She also said the committee is expected to recognise both established and emerging champions, including individuals whose contributions may not have received adequate public recognition.
According to her, they will “Maintain high standards of integrity and independence in the selection process, ensuring that induction is based on merit rather than political affiliation, personal relationships, social status or financial influence.Preserve the stories and achievements.”
She also pointed out that the Committee has devised two major categories for selection, viz: The INSTITUTIONAL CATEGORY; THE INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY.
“Under these two categories, we will give particular consideration to:Sustained commitment to gender equality and inclusion;Demonstrable impact on the lives of women, girls, boys and other vulnerable persons, (orphans etc);Leadership that has broken barriers or created opportunities for others;Advocacy for women’s rights and dignity;Contributions to education, economic empowerment and professional advancement;Legislative, judicial, policy or institutional reforms advancing gender equality;Humanitarian and community service;Mentorship and development of the next generation of women leaders;Courage, integrity and consistency in championing gender equity;”
” And the lasting or transformative nature of the nominee’s contribution.The Committee may also consider the extent to which a nominee has inspired institutional or societal change beyond personal achievement.INDEPENDENCE AND CREDIBILITY .”
“The Selection Committee recognizes that the credibility of any Hall of Fame depends fundamentally upon the integrity of its selection process.Accordingly, members of the Committee are expected to exercise independent judgment, disclose any potential conflict of interest and refrain from participating in the consideration of a nominee where their personal, professional or financial relationship could reasonably affect their impartiality.”
“The Committee will also seek appropriate documentation and credible evidence of achievement before recommending an individual for induction.This approach is consistent with the broader tradition of recognizing individuals whose careers have produced enduring contributions to society. ”
“The Gender Champions Hall of Fame is intended to answer an important question:Who are the men and women who have used their positions, talents, resources and influence to make it easier for others—particularly women and girls—to achieve their full potential?”
“The answer should not be determined merely by titles held or awards received. It should be determined by impact, courage, service, leadership and legacy.The Committee therefore encourages members of the public, institutions, professional bodies, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to identify individuals whose contributions deserve consideration.”
“The Selection Committee welcomes credible nominations and supporting information concerning individuals who have made exceptional contributions to gender equality and human development.The public is encouraged to focus on evidence of achievement and impact, rather than popularity or public visibility.The Committee believes that recognition can be a powerful instrument for social transformation. By celebrating those who have championed equality, the Hall of Fame can encourage others to become champions themselves.”
“The Gender Champions Hall of Fame seeks to build a lasting culture of recognition for people who have helped advance a more equitable society.The Selection Committee is committed to a process that is credible, transparent, merit-driven and worthy of the honour being conferred.The message is simple:Celebrate those who opened doors.”
” Honour those who broke barriers. Preserve their stories. Inspire the next generation.Gender Champions Hall of Fame Selection CommitteeRecognising Leadership. Celebrating Impact. Inspiring Equality.”
By David Owei
Bayelsa United technical adviser, Abdul Maikaba, says the club has a clear mandate: return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the end of the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
Speaking after a preseason victory over De Go-Pro FC of Sapele, Maikaba said the Yenagoa-based Prosperity Boys are fully focused on the task ahead as the NNL gets set to kick off on Saturday, October 31.
The season opener will feature Heartland of Owerri taking on Crown FC of Ogbomosho, the league announced during its AGM in Owerri.
“I am satisfied with the display and the way they played,” Maikaba told journalists. “But the truth is, we are assessing the players because we are recruiting. We are looking to see who will add value to the team, and any player who will not add value, we will let him go.”
The former Kano Pillars boss signed a one-year deal specifically to take Bayelsa United back to the elite division.
“We have more than sixty players in camp. We are gradually trimming down to our maximum of 35,” he explained. “With quality games and proper training, we will pick the best. That is why I have a one-season contract — to do the job in one year.”
Maikaba stressed that Bayelsa United will not shy away from any opponent in the abridged campaign.
“We are in the NNL to face any team. We are not here to handpick opponents. Any team we are drawn with, we are ready to face. The target is to qualify for the Premier League in one season.”
The Prosperity Boys find themselves in what many consider the toughest group.
Conference B pits Bayelsa United against: Beyond Limit FA(Ogun), Solution FC (Anambra), Akwa United (Akwa Ibom), Smart City FC (Lagos), Right-2-Win FC (Abia), Dokka Khairu FC (Osun), Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi), and Ekiti United (Ekiti).
The club says more quality friendly matches will be used to fine-tune the squad and identify weaknesses before the October kickoff.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The Chairman of the Bayelsa United Interim Management Board, Dr. Peter Singabele, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing Nationwide League One U-19 Youth League holding in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Speaking with journalists, Dr. Singabele commended the smooth organization of the tournament and the quality of football displayed by the participating teams.
He said the board is excited by the level of young talents on display, adding that the tournament provides a perfect platform to scout and nurture future stars who can be integrated into Bayelsa United in the coming years.
The Bayelsa United Chairman explained that the Under-19 Youth League was attracted to the State by the board as a fulfillment of the mandate of the Governor to infuse greater percentage of homegrown talents into the emerging Bayelsa United set up.
The Bayelsa United helmsman also praised the Bayelsa United Feeders team for their outstanding run, having won all three matches so far while keeping clean sheets.
“This is a clear show of determination and hunger for success. It should serve as a morale booster and a wake-up call for the senior team to emulate what the younger ones are doing when the new NNL season begins,” he said.
Dr. Singabele urged young footballers across the state to take inspiration from the tournament and aspire to greatness.
He further appreciated Governor Douye Diri, his Deputy Dr. Peter Akpe as well as the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Champion Daniel Igali for their continuous support for the new interim Management Board of Bayelsa United Football Club in particular and sports generally in state and for accepting the hosting rights of the junior league.
Dr. Singabele noted that their actions were a reflection of the Prosperity Administration’s commitment to engaging youths positively through sports.
“We are satisfied with the ongoing U-19 league. We see it as an opportunity for the new management to scout young talents that can be groomed to become stars in the future,” he concluded.
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