January 20, (THEWILL) — Organisers of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, have signed a major sports development contract with Spanish football giants, FC Barcelona, ahead of the tournament’s 8th edition.
The historic partnership is set to bring international expertise to Nigeria’s largest grassroots football competition, with a delegation from Barcelona expected in Bayelsa between February 23 and 25, 2026. This was disclosed by the Director General of Bayelsa state Prosperity Cup, Mr Onos Akpe, at the world press briefing at Gulden Tulip, Onopa, Yenagoa.
According to him, the 8th edition of the Prosperity Cup is currently underway, with preparations in full swing across the state, adding that the tournament has consistently promoted youth development, community engagement, and collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, as well as corporate partners.
He posited that “past editions have seen fierce competition and remarkable talent. In 2025, Eternal Grace Ministry (EGM) FC of Yenagoa LGA emerged champions, defeating Bayelsa United Feeders in the final. Other previous winners include Crusaders FC, Ekeremor LGA (2023), and Ogbonibiri FC, Southern Ijaw LGA (2024). Local government area champions from the 2025 edition also featured Sangana FC (Brass LGA) and Youbolobo FC (Ekeremor LGA) among the runners-up.”
Director General of the tournament, Ono Akpe, expressed optimism about the Barcelona partnership, saying it would enhance sports development in Bayelsa and provide invaluable exposure for young players. “The Prosperity Cup is more than a competition; it is an inclusive platform that carries every resident and community along, regardless of location or background,” Akpe noted.
“The tournament, widely regarded as Nigeria’s premier grassroots football event, continues to attract nationwide attention as it prepares to showcase emerging talent, foster youth engagement, and strengthen community ties.”
He also disclosed that a world class football academy will be built in the state, which will accommodate selected players and camping, training as observed in other countries, adding that the move will also help to address the issue of having a formal and harmonised players transfers and other deals in the future.
Mr Onos Akpe also revealed that winners of the 8th edition of the prosperity cup in the men’s category will smile home with N30 million to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the state, while the second position will get N10 million and third position will receive N5 million, respectively, with N1 million set aside for consolation prizes.
Also speaking, Ebi Avi, the tournament Director, said official kick off date has been slated for February 19, and will be followed by other programmes like training of coaches, media practitioners, match coordinators, as well as refreshers courses for referees.
He noted the competition will kick off from Brass Local government area on the 1st of March before shifting to other local government areas with finals tentatively fixed for June 2, 2026.
The Director General of the Bayelsa state prosperity cup, Onos Akpe, used the opportunity to express his gratitude to governor Douye Diri for his unwavering commitment and dedication to sports development, just as he also extolled the efforts of the sports development commissioner, Hon Daniel Igali, and other stakeholders.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
