Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene and Bayelsa Stars Queens FC of Yenagoa have emerged claimed third best of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup.
In their highly anticipated third place matches, former champions, Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area humbled Bayelsa United Feeders FC by four goals to one in an encounter watched by the NFF Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, former Bendel Insurance Head coach, Monday Odigie, Akwa United coach Kennedy Boboye and FIFA Agent, Paul Ojo, who represented Golden Eaglets coach, Manu Garba at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Goals from Anthony Moses on 15 minute, Vincent Great’s brace on 54 and 60 minutes and Chukwuma’s late minute goal as well as Ebimoghen’s consolation goal was all the Peretorugbene side needed to console themselves, having failed to reach the Prosperity Cup final.
Earlier in the women’s third place match, Bayelsa Stars Queens of Yenagoa pipped Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences, BYSCON Queens FC of Tombia by two goals to one a thrilling encounter..
Excel James put the Yenagoa-based side in front ten minutes into the game. Two minutes later, Ogilogi Annette doubled the lead for Bayelsa Stars Queens. The BYSCON Queens FC responded immediately but it was not enough to swing the pendulum their way.
Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo in his remarks, said the Prosperity administration would give premium attention to the development of sports, particularly at the grassroots.
Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Gowon Toruyouyei, noted that he is happy that the tournament has become a launchpad for upcoming talents to showcase their skills, pointing out that the list of players who have moved from the competition to foreign clubs is a testament to the credibility of the Prosperity Cup.
He commended all the sponsors, especially Premium Trust Bank for complimenting government efforts, urging other corporate organizations and the multinational oil companies to also invest in sports development.
Also, the member representing Sagbama Constituency III in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. (Mrs.) Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, hailed all the teams for their show of dexterity, maintaining that their performance was just the beginning of greater things to come in their various careers.
Crusaders FC Head Coach, Genesis Seimokumo in a post-match interview, appreciated the organizers for the positive innovations in the tournament, stating that he is elated to clinch the third place despite being eliminated in the semi finals of the competition.
Bayelsa United Feeders coach, Dimie Ineididie, said the lads have improved having reached the semi-finals of the tournament in two consecutive years, attributing their defeat to inexperience.
Crusaders FC smiled home with two million naira (#2,000,000), 4th placed Bayelsa United Feeders received one million naira (#1,000,000) while Bayelsa Stars Queens in the women’s category smiled to the bank with One Million, Five hundred thousand naira (#1,500,000). Fourth placed BYSCON Queens got One million naira (#1,000,000).
