Twenty-seven female teams will compete for a N10 million prize in the women’s category of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged ‘Prosperity Cup’.

The teams will play across four centres: Kpansia, Swali, Bishop Dimeari Grammar School and the Government House Golf Field, Onopa.

The defending champions, Afini Ladies, will face Bayelsa Queens Feeders in the ceremonial kick-off on April 9, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, after the weekly ‘Prosperity Walk’.

The women’s competition will officially commence on April 21, 2026, across the designated centres.

At the BDGS centre, Niger Delta University Queens will take on Flying Stars Queens FA, Bayelsa Princesses will face Donbai Queens, while Active Ladies FA will play against Police Machine.

Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences Queens have a bye.

At the Swali centre, Diongoli Babes will confront Igbogene Starlight United, Bayelsa Queens Feeders will meet Federal University Queens, while Gbarain Youth SC will play Stardom Life Soccer Academy. Bayelsa Stars are on bye.

At the Onopa centre, Sea Side Amazons FA will face Golden Sun Sports Club, while Tigress FC of University of Africa, Toru Orua, will play Golden Jeremiah United, while Ezougha Queens and Opu-Nembe Queens are on bye.

At the Kpansia centre, Agbura Queens will tackle Crystal Stars FC, Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) Queens will face Atissa Queens, while Osaro Queens will play Orukarebai Queens. Defending champions Afini Ladies have a bye.

The director-general of the Prosperity Cup, Ono Akpe, said he was pleased with the number of participating teams, noting that it reflected the growth of women’s football in the state.

He urged teams to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the tournament and advised team managers to ensure proper screening of players to avoid double registration.

The chairman of the women’s tournament, Zuzu Ebimotimi, said the committee was fully prepared to organise a hitch-free competition and called on coaches and clubs to ensure discipline among players during and after matches.

(NAN)