Stakeholders Commend Governor Diri’s Commitment to Sports Development

Posted : 13 June 2025

Following the successful screening of standout players from Nigeria's biggest grassroots football competition, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament (Prosperity Cup), the selected side tested their strength against two prominent Yenagoa-based clubs—Kingdom Stars and Afini FC.

The matches were organized by the Prosperity Cup committee to help the selected players begin to understand each other’s style of play ahead of upcoming scouting events.

The selected team, now known as the Prosperity Starlets, defeated Kingdom Stars 2-0 but fell short against Afini FC, losing 1-0 in a tightly contested game.

Speaking after the matches, the Director General of the Prosperity Cup said the goal was to get the players in shape ahead of future friendlies and scouting programs. He disclosed that plans are underway to present the players to national team handlers, including those of the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles.

He applauded the team's performance, especially considering it was their first time playing together, and encouraged them to work harder ahead of forthcoming events that could elevate their football careers.

Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Coach Austin Eguavoen, who witnessed the matches, commended Governor Douye Diri for his unwavering support for sports development, especially grassroots football. He noted that the Prosperity Cup has positively showcased Bayelsa State and revealed the depth of football talent in the region.

Eguavoen stated that he will collaborate with other NFF stakeholders to ensure that outstanding players from the competition secure places in top clubs both within and outside the state, and earn opportunities in Nigeria's youth national teams.

Also present was former Bendel Insurance head coach, Monday Odigie, who echoed Eguavoen’s sentiments. Odigie, who previously signed players from Bayelsa during his time with the Benin Arsenal, said he was not surprised by the quality on display, having attended past Prosperity Cup finals.

He praised the Governor's consistent investment in sports and the organizers’ efforts in discovering and developing young talents, expressing optimism that many of the players will go on to become world-class athletes in their respective positions.

Both Eguavoen and Odigie are in Yenagoa for the third-place and final matches of the male and female categories of the 2025 Prosperity Cup, scheduled for Thursday, 14th and Friday, 15th June, respectively.

Stakeholders Commend Governor Diri’s Commitment to Sports Development

Following the successful screening of standout players from Nigeria's biggest grassroots football competition, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament (Prosperity Cup), the selected side tested their strength against two prominent Yenagoa-based clubs—Kingdom Stars and Afini FC.

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