Football Stakeholders have continued to heap encomiums on Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri as Odioma Fc of Brass and Agbere Fc of Sagbama Local Government Area qualify for the semi final of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots showpiece the Bayelsa State Governor’s Cup tagged the Prosperity Cup.
Odioma Fc produced one of the shockers of the tournament to beat highly rated Peretorugbene United 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw of hostilities at the Samson Siasia Stadium, as Agbere Fc cruised into the semi final with a 4-2 victory over Amassoma FC.
Agbere Fc drew the first blood of the game on 7 minutes from a spot kick when Jerry Ebiede fouled Isaac Oluarea in the box calmly Tony Adobu stepped forward to send Amassoma FC goalkeeper the wrong way.
Tari Enezigha on 24 minutes restored parity for Amassoma FC, however just before the halftime mark the Sagbama based side doubled the lead from an Ikari anointed header. Half time ended 2-1 in favour of the Sagbama Local Government team.
In the second half, play resumed with both teams trying hard to out wit each other until James Azazi on 65 minutes added salt to Amassoma FC’s injury to increase the scoreline for Sagbama side. Amassoma FC immediately responded in an exhilarating fashion from an Ebi Richard spot kick to make it 3-2 on 70 minutes
When it looked as if the encounter was going to end that way in favour of Agbere Fc, James Azazi added another goal to his tally in the final minute of the game to send his side into semi final for the first time.
The victory means that Agbere Fc of Sagbama will now play Eternal Grace Ministry EGM Fc of Yenagoa in the first semi final on Friday by 1pm while Anyama Fc of Ogbia will square off with Odioma Fc of Brass by 3pm at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Just before the kick off of the quarter final there was a presentation of new pair of jerseys to the quarter finalist by the organizers of the Prosperity Cup.
Coach of Agbere Fc Ebi Amula in a post match interview thanked the organizers of the tournament for giving the youths the platform to showcase their talents, adding that he is now focusing on Friday’s semi final clash with EGM Fc.
Amassoma FC coach Douye Ebiede noted that he was grateful to to get to this level, stating that the absence of his first choice goalkeeper affected his team’s plans,coupled with injuries
Also, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Douye Diri, Mr Daniel Alabrah lauded the Agbere team for putting up a five star display in the tournament, stressing that the lads have performed beyond his expectations.
The governor’s spokesman who commended the governors drive and continued support for sports development in the state, explained that Bayelsa State has become a force to reckon with in sports in Nigeria in the last two years.
In attendance were, Chairman Civil Service Commission Sir, Dr Peter Singabele, Commissioner for lands and Housing Hon,Esau Andrew, Director new media to governor Douye Diri, Dr Kola Oredipe, former commissioner for Environment Hon Ebipath Apaingolo and Chairman Bayelsa United Mr Ebiki Timitimi amongst others.
