A total of 27 female teams are set to battle for a ₦10 million prize in the women’s category of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup.
Matches will be played across four venues: Kpansia, Swali, Bishop Dimeari Grammar School (BDGS), and the Government House Golf Field in Onopa.
Defending champions Afini Ladies will open the tournament against Bayelsa Queens Feeders in a ceremonial match scheduled for April 9 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, following the weekly Prosperity Walk.
The main competition is expected to kick off on April 21, 2026, across the designated centres.
At the BDGS venue, Niger Delta University Queens will face Flying Stars Queens, while Bayelsa Princesses take on Donbai Queens, and Active Ladies clash with Police Machine. Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences Queens will not feature in the opening round.
At Swali, Diongoli Babes will meet Igbogene Starlight United, Bayelsa Queens Feeders will play Federal University Otuoke Queens, and Gbarain Youth SC will battle Stardom Life Soccer Academy, while Bayelsa Stars sit out the round.
Fixtures at the Onopa centre include Sea Side Amazons against Golden Sun Sports Club, and Tigress FC of the University of Africa, Toru Orua, facing Golden Jeremiah United, with Ezougha Queens and Opu-Nembe Queens also on bye.
In Kpansia, Agbura Queens will play Crystal Stars FC, Bayelsa Medical University Queens will take on Atissa Queens, and Osaro Queens will meet Orukarebai Queens, while Afini Ladies will not be in action in the first round proper.
The Director-General of the Prosperity Cup, Ono Akpe, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation, noting that it highlights the steady growth of women’s football in the state.
He advised teams to strictly follow tournament guidelines and urged officials to ensure proper player registration to prevent irregularities.
Chairman of the women’s competition, Zuzu Ebimotimi, also assured that adequate preparations had been made for a smooth tournament.
She called on coaches and players to maintain discipline throughout the competition, both on and off the pitch, as the event progresses.