Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed confidence that the state will soon become a leading sports powerhouse in Nigeria.
He attributed this to his administration’s investments in youth development and sports infrastructure.
The governor, speaking on Friday at the final of the 2025 Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, known as the Prosperity Cup, at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, revealed that ahead of the completion of a 25,000-capacity stadium, he has directed the Commissioner for Sports to bid for the state to host the National Sports Festival in 2028.
According to Diri, the state is very ambitious and the stadium will be completed in about two years, emphasizing that his administration will continue to invest in youths via sports development, noting that football keeps youths happy and provides opportunities for them to excel.
The governor expressed delight that the Prosperity Cup has taken a new dimension with the inclusion of female football.
He appreciated the tournament’s partners and sponsors, including Premium Trust Bank, which donated a brand new Coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens, the champions of the 2024/2025 female league.
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, commended Governor Diri’s achievements in sports and urged other governors to emulate his approach to youth engagement and empowerment through football, expressing satisfaction with the noticeable improvement in the competition.
The Prosperity Cup final was attended by several dignitaries, including the governor’s wife, Gloria Diri, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and other football personalities.
The tournament’s success has attracted interest from foreign football agents, who are keen on scouting talented players.
The winners of the tournament received medals, trophies, and cheques. Eternal Grace Ministries of Yenagoa won the male category, while Afini Ladies won the female category. Bayelsa Queens also received the league trophy from the NWFL chairperson, Nkechi Obi.
