Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
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‎…As Tournament Train Lands in Sagbama LGA
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‎Krusaders FC of Peretorugbene have been dethroned as Ekeremor Local Government Area champions in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
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‎Osunmaibio FC of Osunmaibio ‎beat Krusaders FC 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout to emerge champions of Ekeremor LGA for the first time after a one-all draw in regulation time in an encounter decided at the Ayamasa community pitch.
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‎Osunmaibio FC have now joined Okoroma United and Movers FC, who won the Nembe and Ogbia LGA finals respectively.
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‎Bada Jude put Osunmaibio FC ahead on 62 minutes from a beautiful finish to silence favourites, Krusaders FC’s fans who were playing in the finals of the LGA for the third consecutive time having won the last two editions.
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‎When it seemed Osunmaibio FC were coasting home to victory, Clinton Joseph leveled the scoreline to send the encounter into penalty shootout.
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‎Champions, Osunmaibio FC were rewarded with a cash prize of ₦1,000,000, while runners-up Krusaders FC got ₦500,000.
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‎In a remark, chairman of the House Committee on Sports and member representing Ekeremor Constituency One in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon Tare Porri, commended the governor, Senator Douye Diri for sustaining the tournament since he assumed office.
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‎He noted that apart from winning trophies and prize money, the competition has become a launchpad to national development, stating that the governor’s passion was the reason behind the state’s numerous achievements in the sports sector.
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‎Hon Porri equally appreciated the Ono Akpe-led Central Organizing Committee, COC of the tournament for the yearly innovations, particularly the partnership with Spanish giants, FC Barcelona, maintaining that the youths will soon be reaping the benefits of the investment.
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‎Coach Genesis Suomokumo of Krusaders FC in his post-match remarks, attributed the defeat to his team’s wastefulness in front of goal, stating that they have put the loss behind them as their attention has moved to the Round of 32 slated for later this month.
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‎Osunmabio FC coach, Eshaye Denye lauded his players for their show of determination throughout the encounter, describing the tie as tough.
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‎The LGA finals train will move to Sagbama LGA on Wednesday, 15th of April 2026 as Kolobiriowei FC of Bulou-Orua engage Agoro United of Agoro at the Ebedebiri pitch by 1.00p.m.
