Eternal Grace Ministry Wins Prosperity Cup for Record-Breaking Second Time ……. As Afini FC Crowned Women’s Champions. By Chris Mark
Eternal Grace Ministry Wins Prosperity Cup for Record-Breaking Second Time
……. As Afini FC Crowned Women’s Champions
Eternal Grace Ministries Football Club of Yenagoa has emerged champions of the 2025 Bayelsa Governor’s Cup 7th edition tagged Prosperity Cup after defeating Advanced Dreams FA on Penalties.
The match which was played at the Main bowl of the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa was a closely contested, high-stakes encounter that ended 0-0 after 90 minutes of play. Both Eternal Grace Ministries and Advanced Dreams FA created scoring opportunities, but neither could find the back of the net despite their best efforts. The tension was palpable as the game remained deadlock locked, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage.
On the lottery of penalties EGM FC triumphed over Advance Dreams Football Academy 3-2 in a nail-biting shootout. The victory earned them a prize money of 10 million naira and also became the first team to win the prosperity cup twice after their 2022 triumph over Odioma FC of Brass.
In the female category, Afini Football Club claimed victory over Ezuoha Soccer Academy, winning 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time earning them a prize money of 5 million naira.
Speaking at the end of the closing ceremony, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, congratulated the participating teams on their remarkable display of strength and determination. He also expressed gratitude to the Director-General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, and his team for their tireless efforts in organizing the competition. The Governor acknowledged the support of partners, including Premium Trust Bank and the Nigeria Football Federation, which contributed to the competition’s success.
Governor Diri reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in sports development, citing the ongoing construction of a FIFA-standard stadium as a testament to their dedication. “We aim to be number one in sports in Nigeria,” he declared.
The grand finale was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri wife of the Governor, immediate past deputy governor of Edo state and Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Secretary to the state government, members of the state executive council, Mr. Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mrs. Nkechi Obi, Chairperson of the Nigeria Women’s Football League, former coaches of the Nigerian National team, Austin Eguavoen and Samson Siasia and other top government officials.
