By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament (also known as the “Prosperity Cup”), have announced that season seven will kick off in February 2025 across the state.
According to a statement signed by the Director-General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, and the Tournament Director, Mr. Perela Aboroson, the sale of registration forms will commence on January 6, 2025, at the Prosperity Cup Secretariat, Ministry of Sports Development. The registration fee for the male category is ₦25,000, while the female category is ₦15,000.
The statement notes that the tournament has received global attention in recent years, aligning with the governor’s “Assured Prosperity” mantra, which prioritizes sports development.
A total of ₦50 million will be up for grabs in the season seven tournament, including prizes for the male, female, and para-soccer categories, as well as consolation prizes approved by the state governor, Senator Douye Diri.
The breakdown of prizes for the male category is as follows: Champion gets ₦10 million, Runner-up (₦5 million), 4th position (₦1.5 million) and Consolation prize (₦1 million)
The total prize money for the male category is ₦20 million.
For the female category: Champion gets ₦5 million, Runner-up (₦2.5 million), 3rd position (₦1.5 million), 4th position (₦500,000) and Consolation prize (₦500,000)
The total prize money for the female category is ₦10 million.
Additionally, the eight local government champions will receive ₦1 million each, while the runners-up will receive ₦500,000 each, totaling ₦12 million for the local government finals.
The statement also highlights the tournament’s achievements, including the selection of five players from the scouting program to travel to Turkey, Lithuania and Malta in January 2025.
The organizers commend ‘Handsome Surveyor,’ a product of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament and the Gov. Douye Diri Pre-season Football Tournament, for his impressive performance in a recent match.
The statement expresses appreciation to Governor Douye Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the state Commissioner for Sports for their support and attention to grassroots football development.