2025 Prosperity Cup: EGM FC and Afini Ladies Crowned Champions in Thrilling Finals

Posted : 15 June 2025

EGM FC of Yenagoa and Afini Ladies of Amarata have been crowned champions of the 2025 Prosperity Cup, Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, organized by the Bayelsa State Government.

EGM FC, also champions in 2022, became the first team to win the tournament twice after defeating Advance Dreams Football Academy 3–2 on penalties at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, in front of over 5,000 passionate fans. The match had ended goalless in regulation time.

The game was tightly contested, with EGM nearly scoring through Don Pedro Samuel in the first half, only to be denied by a disciplined Advance Dreams defence. Changes made by Advance Dreams in the second half failed to yield the winning goal, sending the game to penalties.

Coach Felix Sueze, who led EGM to their first title in 2022, made history by becoming the first coach to win the tournament twice. In 2023, he guided De Grace FC to the final, narrowly losing to Crusaders FC on penalties.

In the women’s final, Afini Ladies of Amarata came from behind to defeat Ezuogha Soccer Academy 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Afini Ladies finished third in last year's edition, making their victory a remarkable comeback story.

Governor Diri's Address and Government's Commitment

Declaring the tournament closed, Governor Douye Diri praised the quality of the female final, saying it demonstrated the rapid growth of women’s football in Bayelsa. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through sports and emphasized the role of the Prosperity Cup in talent development.

“We will continue to invest in our youths through sports development. That is why we are constructing a world-class 25,000-capacity stadium in Yenagoa, which we plan to complete within two years,” he said.

The governor also announced plans to bid for the 2028 National Sports Festival, tasking Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, to begin preparations.

He commended Premium Trust Bank for donating a brand-new coaster bus to NWFL champions Bayelsa Queens, and called on more corporate sponsors, including international oil companies, to invest in sports in the state.

Prize Breakdown

EGM FC (Champions): ₦10,000,000
Advance Dreams FA (Runners-up): ₦5,000,000
Crusaders FC (3rd Place): ₦2,000,000
Bayelsa United (4th Place): ₦1,000,000
Afini Ladies (Women’s Champions): ₦5,000,000
Ezuogha Soccer Academy: ₦2,000,000
Bayelsa Stars Queens: ₦1,500,000
BYSCON Queens: ₦1,000,000

Notable Remarks & Guests

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau praised Governor Diri for elevating sports in Bayelsa.
Philip Shaibu, DG of the National Institute for Sports, and NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi applauded the government’s grassroots efforts.
Mr. Ono Akpe, DG of the Prosperity Cup, noted that 80% of Bayelsa United’s 2021 Aiteo Cup-winning squad were products of the tournament.
Players from the tournament will now feature in elite pre-season events, including the Optima Energy Gold Cup, Eko International Cup, South-South Pre-season Tournament, and Bayelsa Pre-season Tournament.

The final was graced by notable dignitaries, including the First Lady of Bayelsa, Dr. Gloria Diri, Rep. Marie Ebikake, Speaker Abraham Ingobere, SGF Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and Premium Trust Bank MD, Emmanuel Emefienim.

2025 Prosperity Cup: EGM FC and Afini Ladies Crowned Champions in Thrilling Finals

EGM FC of Yenagoa and Afini Ladies of Amarata have been crowned champions of the 2025 Prosperity Cup, Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, organized by the Bayelsa State Government.

Prize Breakdown

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics