Prosperity Cup Female Tournament: Goals galore, as Ezuogha Academy records big win in opening action

Posted : 25 April 2025

The women's edition of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, also known as the "Prosperity Cup," has kicked off, with God's Mercy City FC and Ezuogha Academy sending clear messages of intent to the rest of the pack.

In one of the opening matches at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Ezuogha Academy were clinical and ruthless in their 8-0 demolition of Diamond Stars of Ayama-Ijaw in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

The match began on an exciting note, but it was the Yenagoa-based Ezuogha Academy that showcased their superiority over their Southern Ijaw opponents.

Peculiar John found the back of the net four times, young and energetic midfielder Princess Numulayefa bagged a hat-trick, while flying winger Finine Doubrah's solo effort completed the demolition for Ezuogha Academy FC.

Earlier, in the female tournament's curtain-raiser at the same venue, God's Mercy City FC humbled Federal University of Otuoke FC with a 3-0 win.

God's Mercy City's captain, Pere Richard, was brought down in the box following some skillful displays, and center referee Rachael Onyekwere wasted no time in pointing to the spot.

Precious John stepped forward to send Federal University Otuoke's goalkeeper the wrong way, registering her name on the scoresheet, while substitute Asumagha Judith sealed the win just two minutes into the second half.

The scoreline could have been higher if not for the heroics of goalkeeper Mitchell Edonkumoh, who made several individual saves to keep the score respectable.

In a post-match interview, Coach Akren Beauty of the victorious Ezuogha Academy commended her players for their determination throughout the match, emphasizing that every game is important to them.

Despite the defeat, Diamond Stars' coach, Daniel Seimiesin, said there were positives to take from the loss, pointing out that the competition had exposed the girls to better teams and playing surfaces, which would improve women's football in the state.

He added that their aim for participating was not just about winning the trophy and prize money, but about supporting the dreams of Governor Douye Diri and the tournament organizers to positively engage the youths in the state.

Also, a member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba, and the member representing Sagbama Constituency 3, Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, gave their thumbs up to the organizers of the tournament.

Egba, who kicked off the second match, remarked that she was pleased with the inclusion of the women’s version in the tournament and expressed confidence that national team players would emerge from the competition.

Ndiomu, who described Bayelsa as the home of female football in the country, noted that the governor's passion for sports development has provided youths in the state with an alternative means to thrive.

Action continues at the Kpansia center, where Igbogene Starlight will welcome Akeddei Queens at 3:00 p.m., followed by the second match of the day between Police Machine FC and Jerry Queens at 4:30 p.m.

Prosperity Cup Female Tournament: Goals galore, as Ezuogha Academy records big win in opening action

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics