The 2025 Prosperity Cup, Nigeria’s largest grassroots football tournament, is reaching its climax as Eternal Grace Ministries and Advanced Dream Academy secure their spots in the highly anticipated final, scheduled to take place at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Friday, June 13.
A pre-final press briefing held in Yenagoa brought together stakeholders, including Ono Okpe, the Director General of the Bayelsa Governor’s Cup, who confirmed the presence of top sports officials. Among the dignitaries expected at the final are Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, and the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who notably donated 50 footballs in support of the tournament.
“This final is not just about football. It’s about creating opportunities,” said Ono Okpe, in a briefing with an Arise News Journalist. He emphasized that scouting sessions will allow coaches to assess players, with the aim of integrating standout talents into Nigeria’s U-17 and U-20 national teams, as well as various professional clubs.
Ebi Avi, Head of Media for the Governor’s Cup, in the press briefing said “Over 200 players were identified during the course of the competition. Many coaches have already expressed intent to sign some of these young talents, offering them a path to a professional career and financial independence.”
It was also noted during the press briefing that the organizers collaborated with the NFF, with the president assigning a technical team led by Austin Eguavoen, who conducted a five-day coaching clinic.
The tournament also includes a women’s final and a third-place playoff, both set to be decided this week. The winners of the men’s and women’s categories will each receive ₦10 million and ₦5 million respectively, a record-breaking prize for a grassroots tournament in Nigeria.
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