Bayelsa Will Be Number One In Sports, Says Gov

‎Photo: NFF President Ibrahim Gusau (right) presents the Prosperity Cup trophy to the winners while Gov Diri and his wife Dr Gloria Diri applaud.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has predicted that the state would soon become number one in sports in Nigeria following his administration’s investment in youth development and sports infrastructure.

Bayelsa’s performance in sports has significantly improved in the last few years, emerging second in the last two editions of the National Sports Festival in Delta (2022) and Ogun (2024) and was champion at the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in April this year.

Photo: Gov Diri and his wife meet the runners up team. Behind them is Chairman of NNL George Aluo.

Governor Diri spoke on Friday during the final of the 2025 Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup, at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.

He said ahead of completion of a 25,000-capacity stadium, he had directed the Commissioner for Sports to bid for the state to host the National Sports Festival before he leaves office in 2028.

His words: “On behalf of your government, we will continue to invest in youths via sports development. That is why we are building a 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard stadium.

“We are very ambitious and the stadium will be completed in about two years. I have directed the Commissioner for Sports to bid for the National Sports Festival in 2028.

“We want to be number one in sports in Nigeria and I believe we can export football to the rest of the country and beyond. We are encouraged that football keeps our youths happy.“

Governor Diri expressed delight that the Prosperity Cup had taken a new dimension with female football, which began in the last edition, and upgraded this year with the prize money also raised.

He stressed that his administration’s Assured Prosperity Agenda in sports meant no youth should be left out in the scheme of things.

The governor appreciated the tournament’s partners, which included the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, Nigerian National League and the Nigerian Women Football League.

He equally acknowledged the sponsors, including Premium Trust Bank, which donated a brand new Coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens, champions of the 2024/2025 female league.

Diri praised the tournament’s Director-General, Mr. Ono Akpe, and the Central Organising Committee for working hard to ensure its success.

Former deputy governor of Edo State and Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Hon. Phillip Shaibu, in his remarks, commended Diri’s achievements in sports and thanked the state government for investing in youth development.

Shaibu noted that sports was not only a social activity but also adds to the GDP of states and the country.

Also, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, expressed satisfaction with the noticeable improvement in the competition, having witnessed the third consecutive finals.
Gusau thanked the governor for keeping to his promises to develop sporting talents, assuring that the NFF will continue to support him.

He urged other governors in Nigeria to emulate their Bayelsa counterpart in youth engagement and empowerment through football.

In his welcome address, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, described the Prosperity Cup as Nigeria’s premier youth football competition.

He said sports development in the state has witnessed a lot of improvement under the Diri administration.

Director-General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, stated that 231 male and 20 female teams participated in this edition and that foreign football agents have shown interest in players discovered from the tournament.

Highpoint of the final, which was witnessed by a capacity crowd at the stadium, was the presentation of medals, trophies and cheques to winners.

In the male category, Eternal Grace Ministries of Yenagoa, which defeated Advanced Dreams Academy, also of Yenagoa, 3-2 on penalties after a scoreless regulation time, got N10 million prize money while their opponents got N5 million.

Afini Ladies that won the female category also got N5 million while the runners up, Ezougha Football Academy, received N2.5 million.

NWFL chairperson, Nkechi Obi, also presented the league trophy to the champions, Bayelsa Queens.

Dignitaries at the finals included wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Dr. Konbowei Benson, House of Reps members, Dr. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia Federal Constituency) and Mrs. Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency) as well as Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim.

Also in attendance were Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and other state legislators, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and members of the state executive council.

Others were the NNL Chairman, George Aluo, NFF Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles player and coach, his counterpart, Samson Siasia, former Under-20 national team and current Bayelsa United coach, Ladan Bosso, Coaches Monday Odigie and Kennedy Boboye among other football personalities in the country.