- Organizers Commend Ogbia Council Boss For A Colourful Final
Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, the Prosperity Cup ongoing local government finals train, continued on Tuesday in Ogbia Local Government with Movers FC of Otuasega emerging Ogbia champions.
Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup witnessed an unprecedented turn out of fans at the Otuasega Township Stadium and was watched by the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government, Hon Golden Jeremiah, Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon Michael Ogbara, Chief I.I. Afagha, former Ogbia PDP Caucus Chairman amongst other dignataries.
Movers FC of Otuasega joined the league of LGA Champions already boasting the likes of Krusaders Feeders FC of Ekeremor, Agbere FC of Sagbama, Odi United of Kolokuma/Opokuma, Kongho United of Brass.
Movers FC of Otuasega beat Anyama FC 2-1 to lift the trophy. Precious Omonibo saw off Brandy Ataria’s challenge to feed Elton Mina who chipped the ball into the net in a sublime fashion to put the Otuasega side ahead 10 minutes into the game.
Mina almost made it 2-0 on 20 minutes but his effort was saved by the last man in the defence line of the opposition. Anyama FC should have their goalkeeper Darlington Emeka to thank who kept them in the game with crucial saves stopping Precious Omonibo and Sydney Appiah’s shots as well.
Sydney Appiah doubled the lead for the Movers FC on 48 minutes from Precious Omonibo’s beautiful low pass as he rifled home to score the second goal for Movers FC who completely outclassed the Anyama side.
Vincent Azibapu who was in great form for the Anyama FC replied for Anyama FC on 82 minutes but was unable to secure the second goal that would have stretched the game to penalties.
Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Hon Golden Jeremiah in his remarks, said the quality of football displayed by both sides has shown that Ogbia is filled with talents that would represent the nation in the future.
The Ogbia council boss thanked Governor Douye Diri and the organizers of the tournament for giving the youths the platform to put their lives on the right track through sports, urging both teams to give Ogbia good representation as the tournament progresses.
He commended the Movers FC and Anyama FC for the orderliness and the show of professionalism, describing grassroots football as the bedrock of football in every nation.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Daniel Baralate Igali represented by the Assistant Director Human Resources Management, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Mike Ede-Alakere remarked that the tournament is a means to curb crime and social vices by giving the youths a profitable line of occupation.
According to him, the Prosperity Administration was committed to engaging young Bayelsans meaningfully through football and as well build capacity in the youths, saying that he was impressed with the electrifying atmosphere in Otuasega.
Director-General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe in an address, thanked the people of Ogbia for the hospitality, describing the final as the best witnessed so far in the ongoing local government finals putting the clement weather, hospitality, ambiance and football displayed.
Mr. Akpe noted that the support by the governor, Senator Douye Diri has been massive in the tournament, pointing out that outstanding players have been identified in both teams that would join the international scouting exercise at the end of this month.
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He explained that about ten scouts from Europe are expected to be in Bayelsa for the international scouting program alongside a coaching clinic for local coaches to be acquainted with modern coaching techniques.
Earlier, Tournament Director, Mr. Perela Aboro appreciated the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government and the people of Otuasega for the colourful atmosphere.
Also, Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon Gabriel Ogbara lauded the organizers of the spectacle for investing in the youth.
Members of the Prosperity Cup LOC including the DDG Corporate Affairs, Deacon Zuobomowei Emmanuel Appah, the Tournament Director, Mr Perela Aboro, the Technical Director, Diseye Nwankwe, Mr Ada Gwegwe, Marvelous Marcauley Akpuluma Jr led by Mr. Ono Akpe alongside Mr Mike Ede-Alakere the representative of the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development had joined the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government, Hon. Golden Jeremiah to the Otuasega Township Hall where they received by the chiefs, elders, CDC and the youths of Otuasega before the game.
Organisers of the Prosperity Cup presented a plaque and one hundred thousand naira (N100,000.00) to Movers FC of Otuasega, a plaque and fifty thousand naira (N50,000.00) to Anyama FC and an award to the Ogbia Council Boss for his support to the development of sports and ensuring a successful final.
The highlight of the event was the donation of a new pair of jerseys by the member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency in the House of Representative, Hon. Mitema Obordor to Movers FC as the Champions of Ogbia Local Government Area.
The LGA Finals Train moves to the Nembe Township Stadium on Thursday for another exciting final between Nembe FC and Fisherman’s Sons FC .
