By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The stage is set for an exciting showcase of women’s football in Bayelsa State as 27 teams gear up to compete in the Female Edition of the 2026 Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, with a total prize money of ₦10 million at stake.
The much-anticipated draws have been concluded, officially unveiling fixtures and match centres, and signaling the beginning of intense preparations among participating teams. The competition, regarded as Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, will see matches played across four designated centres: Kpansia, Swali, Bishop Dimeari Grammar School (BDGS), and the Government House Golf Field in Onopa.
Defending champions, Afini Ladies, will headline the ceremonial kick-off match against Bayelsa Queens Feeders on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. The curtain-raiser will take place immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk, setting the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament. However, the main competition will officially commence on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, across all centres.
At the BDGS centre, Niger Delta University (NDU) Queens will take on Flying Stars Queens FA, while Bayelsa Princesses face Donbai Queens. Active Ladies FA will battle Police Machine, with BYSCONS Queens enjoying a bye.
The Swali centre will witness Diongoli Babes clashing with Igbogene Starlight United, while Bayelsa Queens Feeders confront FUO Queens. Gbarain Youth SC will tackle Stardom Life Soccer Academy, with Bayelsa Stars advancing automatically with a bye.
Fixtures at the Onopa centre include a showdown between Sea Side Amazons FA and Golden Sun Sports Club, while Tigress FC of the University of Africa, Toru Orua, will face Golden Jeremiah United. Ezougha Queens and Opu-Nembe Queens have been drawn on bye.
At the Kpansia centre, Agbura Queens will square off against Crystal Stars FC, Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) Queens will host Atissa Queens, and Osaro Queens will battle Orukarebai Queens. Defending champions Afini Ladies are also drawn on bye at this centre.
Speaking ahead of the draws, Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of participating teams, noting that it reflects the rapid growth and acceptance of women’s football in Bayelsa State. He urged teams to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations, emphasizing the importance of proper player documentation to prevent cases of double registration.
Similarly, Chairman of the Women’s Tournament Committee, Mr. Zuzu Ebimotimi, assured stakeholders of a well-organized and hitch-free competition. He called on coaches and team officials to instill discipline in their players, both on and off the pitch, to uphold the integrity of the tournament.
The Female Edition of the Prosperity Cup continues to serve as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing emerging talents, while promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in sports. As anticipation builds, fans and football enthusiasts across the state are eagerly looking forward to thrilling encounters and standout performances.
With everything now in place, all eyes will be on the teams as they compete for glory, pride, and the coveted Prosperity Cup title.
