Nembe City of Ogbolomabiri has emerged as the Nembe Local Government Area champion in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.
Nembe City pummelled Okoroba FC of Okoroba four-nil to lift the Nembe Local Government championship trophy in an encounter watched by the local government chairman, Hon David Alagoa, and other political appointees at the Nembe City Stadium.
By the feat, Nembe City joins Crusaders FC of Ekeremor and Adaka FC of Kolokuma/Opokuma as champions of their various LGAs.
Ebinyo Victor put Nembe City in front three minutes into the game, converting a cross from the right flank. Abraham Ayibaitari doubled the lead for the Nembe-based side on 14 minutes from a well-connected ball, having started the encounter in an exhilarating fashion.
Forward Abraham Ayibaitari added another goal in the 47th minute from a well-delivered cross. When it seemed the encounter was going to end three-nil, Abraham Ayibaitari compounded the woes of Okoroba FC on 82 minutes to record the second hat-trick of the ongoing LGA finals.
Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area, Hon David Alagoa in his remarks, lauded the governor, Senator Douye Diri and the organisers of the tournament for the initiative, stating that it has helped in the discovery of budding talents from the nooks and crannies of the state.
He commended both sides for their determination and professionalism throughout the encounter, maintaining that he is upbeat that players from the tournament would represent the nation in the future, describing both teams as winners.
The council boss, who described sports, particularly football as a unifier, asserted that apart from the prize money and trophy, the showpiece has brought unity amongst the youths in the state.
Nembe City FC coach, Raphael Affagi attributed the victory to his team’s determination, pointing out that their target is to triumph at the state level when the round of 32 of the tournament commences.
Coach of Okoroba FC, Ekwere Itoro, said the tournament has exposed them to a better playing environment, stressing that their aim is to give Okoroba a community good representation.
Also, Nembe City FC captain, Monday Kuki, expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for the victory.
The Champions Nembe City got the sum of one million naira (#1,000,000) while second placed Okoroba FC smiled to the bank with five hundred thousand naira (#500,000).
The local government finals move to Sagbama Local Government Area on Monday, May 12th, 2025 by 2.00p.m. at the Sagbama Council Field as defending champions Agbere FC of Agbere battles Indomitable FC of Sagbama.
