Advance Dreams Football Academy of Yenagoa will battle former champions, Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC of Yenagoa in the final of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup.
After weeks of fascinating football action in 26 centres across the state, the men have truly and finally been separated from the boys.
In a second semi-final match that lacked creativity from both sides, most in the second half of the match which held at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Advance Dreams Football Academy beat Bayelsa United Feeders 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
The encounter, which was full of expectations had the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe; the Chairman of Bayelsa State Football Association, Barr. Porbeni Ogun; the Tournament Director, Perela Aboroson; Head of Media of the tournament, Ebi Avi; State Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Laye Julius; former Chairman of Bayelsa United FC, Ebiki Timitimi, and other stakeholders, in attendance.
The duo of Godbless Ayeke and Tonyemiete Owugah of Bayelsa United Feeders came close in the first half but Advance Dreams FA were defensively solid and would not allow the Feeders forward to penetrate.
Advance Dreams FA would have to thank star midfielder, Godstime Nupe, who stole the show to the admiration of the fans at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Bayelsa United Feeders have now lost back-to-back semi final encounters in the competition. Last season, Feeders were defeated by eventual champions, Ogbonibiri FC one nil but went on to triumph in the losers’ final.
In the first semi-final decided on Thursday, May 29, 2025, EGM FC defeated Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw in regulation time. Both Crusaders FC and Bayelsa United Feeders will now shift their attention to the losers’ final.
An elated, coach of Advance Dreams FA, Kenneth Opukeme in his post-match reaction, said he is proud of the lads, stating that the players took every instruction seriously.
According to him, fans should expect good football from both teams in the final, pointing out that they are optimistic of victory.
He commended the organizers of the tournament and the governor, Senator Douye Diri for sustaining the competition, pointing out that the tournament has given grassroots football in the state a lifeline.
Also, Advance Dreams FA captain, Pere Ebiware said he was happy to play in the final for the first time in the history of the tournament.
