From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, is set for a historic leap in 2026 following the signing of a landmark partnership deal with Spanish football giants, FC Barcelona. The development signals a bold step toward positioning Bayelsa as a hub for grassroots football excellence and international sports collaboration in Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe, during a pre-event World Press Conference held at the Golden Tulip Resort, Onopa, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. Addressing journalists and stakeholders in the sports sector, Akpe described the partnership as a game-changer that would elevate the technical quality, exposure and global relevance of the tournament.
According to him, officials of FC Barcelona are expected to arrive in Yenagoa from Monday, February 23 to Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for an international coaching clinic organized in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development and the Bayelsa State Football Association (BFA). The clinic will deliver Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)-certified capacity building training for 50 coaches, with 40 slots reserved for Bayelsa-based grassroots coaches and 10 open to coaches from outside the state.
Akpe explained that the programme would combine theoretical and practical sessions, focusing on Barcelona FC’s renowned coaching philosophy and methodology, which emphasizes technical intelligence, discipline, team play and youth development. He added that the clinic would be coordinated by Bernard Villa Boas, Technical Director for the Africa Project, while Barcelona coaches would serve as facilitators.
The training initiative will dovetail into another coaching programme to be organized in conjunction with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with the federation’s Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, serving as the focal person. This layered approach, Akpe said, is aimed at strengthening local capacity and ensuring that knowledge gained filters down to grassroots football across the state.
Beyond the coaching clinic, the partnership is expected to culminate in the establishment of a world-class football academy in Yenagoa. Facilitated by Whiz-kid Ventures of the Netherlands, the academy will nurture and mentor outstanding talents discovered through the Prosperity Cup, widely regarded as Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football competition. The project is designed to create a structured pathway for young players to transition from local football to national and international opportunities.
Akpe expressed delight that the Barcelona partnership coincides with Bayelsa State’s 30th anniversary celebration in 2026, noting that the upcoming edition of the tournament would form part of the commemorative activities. In recognition of the milestone, the prize money for the male category has been increased to N30 million, while the female category has been raised to N10 million. He clarified that the increase is a special anniversary package, after which prize money would revert to N10 million and N5 million respectively.
The tournament will also feature multiple capacity development initiatives, including a referees refresher programme, a three-day intensive training for medical personnel, and a one-day training for media personnel and match centre coordinators. Akpe explained that the aim is to expose officials to modern trends in sports management and officiating, noting that previous trainings have significantly improved the careers of referees and grassroots coaches in the state.
While appreciating the Bayelsa State Government, the Bayelsa State Football Association, grassroots coaches and main sponsor Premium Trust Bank, Akpe appealed to multinational oil companies operating in the state, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, and the Niger Delta Development Commission to align with Governor Douye Diri’s vision by co-sponsoring the competition.
Also speaking at the event, Tournament Director Mr Ebi Avi disclosed that 30 centres across the state have been approved for the preliminary rounds, with the competition scheduled to kick off at the Brass centre on March 1, 2026. He outlined the match calendar, stating that local government finals will run from April 8 to April 20, the Round of 32 from April 22 to 24, Round of 16 on April 25 and 26, quarter-finals from April 28, semi-finals on April 30, and the third-place match and grand finale on May 1 and 2, 2026.
The organisers also announced winners of individual awards from the previous edition. In the male category, Elton Mina of Movers FC, Otuasega, emerged golden boot winner with seven goals, while Precious Abidde and Prince Jacob of Advanced Dreams FA claimed the golden glove and Most Valuable Player awards respectively. In the female category, Marian Edward and Korlu Godgift of Afini Ladies FC won best goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player, while Mary Ayeloh of Crystal Stars FA secured the golden boot. Each award winner received N50,000.
With global expertise, expanded incentives and strengthened grassroots development structures, the 2026 Prosperity Cup promises to redefine football development in Bayelsa and reinforce the state’s growing reputation on the international sports stage.
