The battle for local government top honours in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, entered its crucial stages in Ogbia and Yenagoa Local Government Areas.
In the quarter final matches decided yesterday at the Kpansia playground, 2022 champions, Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC thrashed Akenfa FC by six goals to two to qualify for the next round of the Yenagoa LGA semi finals.
In an earlier game at the same venue, the National Youths Service Corp, NYSC Feeders FC in the game lost 4-3 on penalties to their younger and more energetic Afini FC after a barren draw in regulation time.
Playing at the Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, BDGS centre Bayelsa United Feeders pipped Seaside Academy FC by a lone goal while Creek Haven in the last game of the day beat Peace FC one nil to secure qualification to the LGA semis.
Action continues this afternoon at the IMIRINGI Centre in Ogbia local government Area, where High-flying Citiboi FC will take on Ayalla FC of Okiki in the by 1.00p.m. Last season’s champions of Ogbia LGA, Movers FC of Otuasega will face Federal University, Otuoke FC by 3.00p.m. at the same venue today.
Playoff matches to determine three qualifiers from Yenagoa LGA for the round of 32 also took place yesterday at the Biogbolo/Yenizue-gene centre. Mountain of Fire Ministry, MFM FC, Okaka ousted Anyamalem FC 5-4 on penalty shootout after a two-all draw in regulation time.
Godday put the prayer Warriors ahead on 12 minutes but Anyamalem FC responded on 20 minutes from Newman Godbless’ lovely finish to put the scores on level terms. Iyanimugha Rudolph doubled the scores on 26 minutes for MFM FC, while Stanley Isaac restored parity on 30 minutes to stretch the game into the uncertainty of penalties.
In the second game at the same venue, Royal Allstars FC beat Church of God Mission FC 4-2 also on penalties after a one-all draw in normal time to book ticket to the round of 32.
High scoring Advance Dreams FC pummeled youthful Corinthians FC by five goals to one to keep their hopes alive.
