Former champions, Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene have qualified for the quarter finals of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup.
The 2022 champions, beat Nembe City FC of Nembe Local Government Area by two goals to one in an encounter decided at the Otuasega Township Stadium.
After a dominant display in the opening half hour, Ebiotu Boloigha gave Crusaders FC the lead in 40th minute, when buried a beautiful delivery from his midfield area. Nembe City FC forward, Ayibaitari Abraham levelled the scores for the Nembe-based side in the 63rd minute to restore some hope for side hope.
When the highly voiceferous crowd was preparing to see a penalty shootout to decide the winner, winger, Ebiye Jeremiah’s last minute effort found the net and ended Nembe City FC’s dreams of quarter finals berth
In the day’s second game at the Otuasega arena, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, PNA FC of Koluama beat Federal University, Otuoke by two goals to one to qualify for the money-spinning stage of the tournament.
Ebi Dan put the Koluama side ahead on 35 minutes from an individual effort. Kaka, with Saviour restoring parity for Federal University in the 50th minute through a well connected pass. Kojo John put PNA back in front 5 minutes later to make it two goals to one and secured their place in the quarter finals.
More matches will be played on Friday, 23rd of May, 2025 in the round of 16 at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Royal All Stars FC tackles Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC by 8 O’clock in the morning, while Bayelsa United Feeders will face hard-fighting Agbere FC of Agbere by 10 O’clock just as Movers FC of Otuasega confront Federal Polytechnic, Ekowei at noon.
Two quarter final tickets will also be up for grabs this Friday at the Niger Delta University mini stadium in Amassoma with one of the tournament’s surprise teams, Akeddei FC locking horns with youthful Advance Dreams FC of Yenagoa by 1 O’clock in the afternoon, while little known Youbulobo FC of Agge in Ekeremor LGA will trade hard tackles with Kolokuma/Opokuma champions, Adaka FC of Kaiama at 3 O’clock in the afternoon.
