***TEN PLAYING PITCHES TO BE CONSTRUCTED ACROSS STATE – Gov Diri

The fifth edition of Nigeria’s largest grassroot football competition, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, came to an end on Sunday, with Crusaders Feeders FC winning the tourney via penalty shootout.

It was indeed an entertaining final filled with interesting and breath-taking moments, showcasing the best of skills, determination and finesse, but the Ekeremor based team won 4-3 on penalties after a one all draw at regulation time.

Crusader Feeders attacking trio of Junior Christopher, Moses Anthony and Akpos Godbless, mounted constant pressure against their opponents, but couldn’t make headway after the final third.

In the 20th minute Crusader’s Ebiotu Boleigha was close with his lob, while few seconds later bulky attacker, Solohit Foluwa had a quick shot which went wide

Crusaders Feeders drew first blood in the 23rd minute. Ebiotu Boleigha clinical pass met Moses Anthony who back heeled to Junior Christopher, and the top striker didn’t hesitate to place the ball at the left side of the goalkeeper to give his team the lead, with the first half ending one nil.

At the resumption, both teams increased their tempo in search for goal, but it was De Grace FC that found the back of the net in the 56th minute through bulky attacker, Solohit Foluwa, whose beautiful left curve couldn’t be stopped by Crusaders Feeders’ Goalie, Gas Gbansele.

The game went to the shootout, and it ended in favour of the Peretorugbene side.

In the female category, Golden Sun Sports Club emerged winners of the maiden edition, after defying the downpour to beat tournament favorites, Crystal Stars Football Club, three nil (3-0)

During his remark, Governor Douye Diri said he was proud of all participating teams, coaches, officials and organisers for their sportsmanship throughout the competition.

“Your guidance mentorship have not only produced talents but discipline and focus on the players. This tournament has served the purpose of discovering potentials and talents in Bayelsa.”

“It is my firm believe that through your support, this competition will nuture the talents that will proudly represent the state and our country Nigeria.”

The Governor who had earlier performed the official kickoff ceremony of the final game, announced that soonest, the state government would build ten playing football centres across Bayelsa to serve the purpose of hosting more of such competitions, adding that empowering youth remains a sure way to deviate their minds towards social vices.

President of the Nigerian Football Federation assures of his support to see that available scouts graced subsequent events for hunting of future Stars.

Speaking at the event, Director General of competition, Ono Akpe, said the tournament has since become a hunting ground for teams across the country, with some already playing their trade abroad, adding that soonest, the Prosperity Cup will become the most popular grassroot football competition in Africa.

Crusader Feeders FC were awarded a trophy and five million naira for their victory, second place De Grace FC of Yenagoa received two million five hundred thousand naira, third place team, Agbere FC of Sagbama went home with one point five million naira, while fourth place, Dream Boys Academy of Odi (Kolokuma/Opokuma), received five hundred thousand naira.

Winners of the female category, Golden Sun Sports Club, got two hundred and fifty thousand naira for their victory, runner-up, Crystal Stars FC received one hundred and fifty thousand naira, Peremo Soccer Academy were awarded eighty thousand naira, while fourth place, Niger Delta University Queens, got fifty thousand naira.

Junior Christopher of Crusader Feeders FC emerged as the highest goal scorer of the tournament with twelve goals.

Dignitaries present at the finals included Chairman, Nigerian National League, George Aluo, Chief Operating Officer, Nigerian National League, Emmanuel Adesanya, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National League, Emmanuel Attah, Chairman Technical Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Augustine Eguavon, and Head Coach, Bendel Insurance FC, Monday Odigie.