Agbere FC of Agbere on Monday came from a goal down to beat Indomitable Lion FC of Sagbama to retain the Sagbama Local Government Area title of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup.
In the final match that took place at the council field, Sagbama town, Agbere FC, the defending champions, outclassed Indomitable Lion FC by two goals to one to lift the trophy under watchful eyes of the local government chairperson, Hon. Mrs. Alice Tangi, councilors and political appointees in the area.
Kelvin Emmanuel put Indomitable Lion FC ahead on 27 minute from a well-placed effort to beat Agbere FC goalkeeper who was kept busy throughout the first half.
Having conceded a goal in the first half, Agbere FC came back more determined in the second stanza with relentless forays into their opponents goal area, which paid off in 60th minute with Chibuzor Maxwell leveling the scores..
Agbere FC made it 2-1 on 82 minutes through Gift Diri’s brilliant finish to send their supporters into wild jubilation.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of Sagbama Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Alice Tangi, noted that the governor’s unwavering passion for the development of sports in the state has given sports a new direction, stating that the continuous participation of youths in sports has drastically reduced crime rate across the state.
She expressed confidence that more players from the Prosperity Cup would represent the country in the future, pointing out that the people of Sagbama were pleased with the progress the tournament has recorded so far.
Agbere FC coach, Ughelli Kennedy in his post-match reaction, attributed his side’s poor performance in the first half to lack of understanding, stressing that the display of his team in the second half was a reflection of what his team can offer in the rest of the competition.
Coach of Indomitable FC, Anthony Abaluwa, blamed his team’s defeat on their wastefulness in front of goal, maintaining that they would have buried the game in the first half having dominated proceedings.
Champions Agbere FC smiled to the bank with the sum of one million naira (1,000,000) while second placed Indomitable Lion FC were rewarded with Five Hundred Thousand Naira (#500,000) for their effort.
Agbere FC, has by this feat, joined Adaka FC, Crusaders FC and Nembe City as champions of their respective LGA champions.
Attention now shifts to Ogbia Local Government Area on Tuesday 13th, 2025 as the defending LGA champions, Movers FC of Otuasega battles high-scoring Citiboi FC of Imiringi by 2.00p.m. at the Imiringi Township stadium.
