By Sam Jones
YENAGOA (Sundiata Post) – The sixth edition of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s Prosperity Cup is expected to kick off on Friday with a total of N15 million in prize money will be up for grabs.
The prize money was increased from N10 million which the teams received in 2023 to N15 million this year for the male, female and para categories, according to the tournament’s Director-General, Mr. Ono Akpe.
Defending champions, Krusaders Feeders Football Club of Peretorugbene will face Fire Power of Police Machine Football Club in Friday’s opening match at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium, Yenagoa.
Governor Diri is expected to take the kick off watched by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei and a host of other dignitaries.
A statement by the organisers said the Prosperity Cup has been endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Sports as one of the most prominent events in grassroots soccer in the country.
Diri inaugurated the Prosperity Cup six years ago to encourage grassroots sports development, empower the youth and engage them in actively to shun drugs and violent crimes.
The Central Organising Committee has urged all sponsors including the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Premium Trust Bank, Century Group, Aqualina Waters, Amadeus University and Grooming Centre to be grace the event.
Other sponsors are Linkage Assurance PLC, Ayalla Group, Phone Headquarters, Hamilton Garden, Red Tech Ltd and DSTV and is powered by Red Sapphire Nig Ltd.
