Crusaders, Bayelsa Stars Queens Seal Third Place at 2025 Cup

Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene and Bayelsa Stars Queens FC from Yenagoa secured the third-place titles at the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup.

In the men’s playoff for bronze, Crusaders FC delivered a commanding display, beating Bayelsa United Feeders FC 4–1 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. Anthony Moses opened the scoring in the 15th minute, Vincent Great added goals in the 54th and 60th minutes, and Chukwuma added a late fourth. Ebimoghen pulled one back for the Feeder side.

Meanwhile, in the women’s contest, Bayelsa Stars Queens edged out BYSCON Queens FC 2–1. Excel James struck early in the tenth minute, followed quickly by Ogilogi Annette, before BYSCON pulled one back—ultimately falling short.

Present at the ceremony were Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo (represented by Mr Gowon Toruyouyei), NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen, coaches Monday Odigie and Kennedy Boboye, and FIFA agent Paul Ojo.

Ewhrudjakpo praised the Prosperity Cup for its role in youth talent development and commended sponsors, especially Premium Trust Bank.He urged more corporate investment in grassroots football.

Crusaders’ coach, Genesis Seimokumo, expressed satisfaction at the performance, while Bayelsa United’s coach, Dimie Ineididie, recognised steady progress despite inexperience Crusaders FC received ₦2 million, Bayelsa United Feeder took ₦1 million, Bayelsa Stars Queens were awarded ₦1.5 million, and BYSCON Queens got ₦1 million .

Editorial

We believe the Prosperity Cup continues to reinforce its status as a vital platform for grassroots football in Bayelsa. When local talents showcase their abilities on such a stage, it galvanises communities and nurtures future stars. Crusaders FC’s dominant men’s third-place win and Bayelsa Stars Queens’ narrow victory highlight the depth emerging at this level.

We welcome the presence of figures such as Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo and NFF’s Eguavoen, whose involvement demonstrates increasing institutional support. Such encouragement underscores that grassroots tournaments deserve equal recognition alongside professional leagues. Encouraging corporate sponsors like Premium Trust Bank to step in reflects shared responsibility in elevating football’s foundation.

We see value in thoughtful expansion both in prize structures and in nurturing players with mentorship and exposure. Coaches like Seimokumo and Ineididie deserve praise for guiding their squads through growth curves without the weight of prior experience. That journey of learning, challenge and reward is the heartbeat of grassroots sport.

We call on government and private sectors to sustain and broaden funding, enhance facilities and expose players to scouting pathways. Because when local football thrives, entire systems benefit national pool deepens, leagues diversify, and fans engage with pride. Grassroots competition must remain fertile ground for aspiration—and Prosperity Cup is proof that it is succeeding in exactly that mission.

Did You Know?

1. The Prosperity Cup 2025 finals featured ₦50 million in prize money for men’s and women’s categories combined.
2. A total of 27 women’s teams contested in 2025 for a ₦10 million prize in the female tournament.
3. Prosperity Cup matches were hosted across 26 local government centres in Bayelsa State.
4. The tournament uses Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa as a central venue for key matches, named after the former national coach.
5. Bayelsa Queens claimed their sixth NWFL Premiership title in May 2025, reflecting strong women’s football growth in the state .