June 22, (THEWILL) – Ogboinbiri FC has emerged as the champions of Southern Ijaw in the ongoing Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup local government finals, held at Oporoma town.
Ogboinbiri FC defeated Adulama FC 2-0 at Oporoma town to lift the trophy. Goals in each half from Okon Godbless in the 24th minute and Daniel Bekowei in the 69th minute, gave Ogboinbiri FC the deserved victory.
The final, which witnessed electrifying football and an organic atmosphere, was watched by the chairman of Southern Ijaw local government, Hon. Target Segibo, the vice chairperson, supervisory councilors, political appointees, and dignitaries.
The Chairman of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Hon. Target Segibo, in a remark, who described football as the biggest unifier, said he was satisfied with the performance of both sides, particularly the champions.
He announced a cash prize of four hundred thousand naira (N400,000.00), to the winners and one hundred thousand naira (N100,000.00) for the runner-up, stating that the quality of football displayed in the final was a testament of the bundle of talents in the State.
Hon. Segibo commended Governor Douye Diri for conceiving the vision to engage the youths in the State positively through sports, urging the three teams that qualified to the round of 32 in Southern Ijaw to give a good representation.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, represented by the Assistant Director Human Resources Ministry of Sports Development, Mr Mike Ede-Alakere, noted that one of the cardinal objectives of the Prosperity administration was to pull the youths out of social vices and drug abuse.
According to him, the governor is deliberate and passionate about the development of sports as well as creating a means of livelihood through the Prosperity Cup with the introduction of the foreign scouting program slated at the end of this month.
Also, Deputy Director-General of the tournament, Mr Emmanuel Appah, remarked that the essence of the competition was to give young Bayelsans a career in football, saying that the local final has so far received an unprecedented turnout in various LGAs.
He thanked the council boss for ensuring that Southern Ijaw local government witnesses a colorful final in the Prosperity Cup, urging players selected to make use of the scouting program which takes place from June 30th to July 1st, 2024, at the Samson Siasia.
Tournament Director, Mr Perela Aboroson, appreciated the people of Oporoma town and the Southern Ijaw Local Government chairman for the warm reception and hospitality.
Organisers of the Prosperity Cup presented a plaque and one hundred thousand naira (N100,000.00) to Ogboinbiri FC, a plaque and fifty thousand naira (N50,000.00) to the runner-up Adulama FC, and also an award to the chairman of Southern Ijaw, Hon. Target Segibo, for support towards the development of sports in the State.
About the Author
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
