Nembe City FC will battle Ogboinbiri FC on Saturday in the final of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup after weeks of electrifying football in twenty two centers across the state.
The Nembe side beat neighbors Kongho FC of Brass LGA 1-0 in the eastern derby at the Samson Siasia Stadium to set up the clash with the Southern Ijaw outfit, Ogboinbiri FC for the ultimate prize money.
Obiene Isreal’s 39th minute goal was all that Nembe City FC needed to qualify for the final of the tournament christened the Prosperity Cup. Nembe City becomes the second Nembe side to play in the final of the tournament after Opu Nembe in 2018.
Kongho FC will now shift their attention to the third place game on Saturday against Bayelsa United Feeders FC who were edged out 1-0 by Ogboinbiri FC in the semi finals.
Niger Delta University Queens in their semi-final match defeated Afini Ladies 4-3 on the lottery of penalties after a barren draw in regulation time and will now face Peremo Soccer Academy in the final of the women’s tournament on Saturday by 1pm at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, while the final of the men’s competition will kick-off at 3pm also at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
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The Para-Soccer Edition of the tournament will take place on Friday by 1pm while the female third place matche comes up at 3pm. On Saturday the male third place match will see Bayelsa United Feeders trade tackles with Kongho FC right there at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Victorious Nembe City FC Coach, Albert Barigha in a post match interview said their target was to lift the trophy for the first time for Nembe City, noting that the tournament has brought out the best of him as a coach.
Despite the defeat, Kongho FC Coach, Messiah Ben believes that their target for the tournament has been achieved, stating that he is leaving the Akassa side after fifteen years as head coach.
According to him, Kongho FC is the first team from Akassa in Brass Local Government Area to reach the semi finals of the Prosperity Cup describing the feat achieved by Kongho FC as laudable.
He thanked the Bayelsa State Government and the organizers of the tournament for giving coaches in the state the platform to equip themselves with new knowledge, pointing out that the coaching clinic has impacted positively in the lives of coaches.
Nembe City FC striker, Peter Onyanbo appreciated the governor for giving the youths in the state the platform to realize their potential.
The grand finale promises to be glamorous and exciting as very important ignataries are expected from far and near to grace the occasion.