PROSPERITY CUP: NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY QUEENS, OGBOINBIRI UNITED LIFT TROPHY

PROSPERITY CUP: NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY QUEENS, OGBOINBIRI UNITED LIFT TROPHY

After over six weeks of hostilities across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State, the curtains of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football competition, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, was dropped on Saturday, amidst celebrations and disappointments, Xtrymesports.blogspot.com reports.

In the female category of the Prosperity Cup, as it's fondly called, Niger Delta University Queens defied the odds to defeat high scoring side, Peremor Soccer Academy one goal to nil to lift the trophy in the final game played at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

An early strike from NDU Queens' forward, Osiga Gloria in the second minute broke the hearts of Peremor Soccer Academy team, and all efforts for the side that scored over twenty five goals in three games, to get back into the game proved abortive, as the Amassoma ladies contained their attacking prowess.

Niger Delta University Queens won the game and went home with one million naira, with their star player, Mary, emerging as the Most Valuable Player, as the losers, Peremor Soccer Academy were awarded with seven hundred and fifty naira, while Afini Ladies finished as the third best team, and went home with five hundred thousand naira, following their one nil victory over Niger Delta Queens in rhe third place match.

In the male category, Ogboinbiri United of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, made light work of Nembe City, as they humbled their opponents with three unreplied goals in the final at the same venue, to lift the coveted trophy, and took home the five million naira star prize.

Paul Bekeowei opened the harvest of goals in the 22nd minute with a beautiful header after connecting from Bekewei Iladebi's cross, to send the his teammates into wild jubilation, and seven minutes later, Bekewei Iladebi recorded his name on the scoring sheet when Nembe City's goalkeeper, Atebu Ayebaesin, miscalculated and left his goal wide open for the skillful winger to tap into an open net.

At the resumption, Bekewei Iladebi would have increased his tally when he had only the keeper to beat, but wasted the efforts, however, it didn't take long for Ogboinbiri United to put the game to bed as forward, Paul Bekeowei, found the back of the net the second time.in the 55th minutes.

Nembe City got two points five million as runners-up, while third place Bayelsa United Feeders were rewarded with one point five million naira, following their one nil victory over Kongho United of Brass in the losers final.

Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri was elated with the conclusion of the tournament, stressing that his administration was committed towards engaging youths through sports.

The Prosperity Cup final, was graced by the Sports Minister, Owan Enoh, President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, Commissioner of Sports, Edo State, amongst others.