RismadarVoice Reporters
May 9, 2026
Bayelsa State has entered into a partnership with Spanish football powerhouse, FC Barcelona to establish a football academy aimed at developing young talent and strengthening grassroots sports development in the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the grand finale of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, known as the Prosperity Cup 2026, held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
The agreement was signed by the Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, on behalf of the Bayelsa State Government, while Bernat Villa Garris represented FC Barcelona. The ceremony was witnessed by former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick and NFF Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi.
Governor Douye Diri described the partnership as a major step in his administration’s broader strategy to use sports as a tool for youth engagement and economic empowerment. He said the collaboration with Barcelona would open up opportunities for talent identification and development, helping young athletes in the state pursue professional football careers.
Diri also reiterated his administration’s commitment to sports infrastructure, including plans to complete a 30,000-seater stadium by 2027. He noted that the Prosperity Cup had grown significantly since 2020, evolving into one of Nigeria’s largest grassroots football competitions, with expanded male, female, and para-sports categories.
This year’s edition featured 227 teams, a sharp increase from previous editions, reflecting what the governor described as growing participation and interest in youth sports development across the state.
On the pitch, Okoroma United of Nembe Local Government Area emerged champions of the male category after a narrow 1–0 victory over Akinima Biogbo of Ogboloma, taking home the ₦40 million top prize. The runners-up received ₦13 million.
In the female category, Active Ladies of Agudama defeated defending champions Afini Ladies of Amarata by a lone goal to claim the ₦10 million prize, while the runners-up earned ₦7 million.
Barcelona representative Bernat Villa Garris said the club was impressed by the level of talent and enthusiasm displayed in Bayelsa, adding that the partnership would enable more frequent technical support and talent development programmes.
“We would like to come more often to support the development of players and coaches. For us, it is a real pleasure,” he said.
Amaju Pinnick also praised the initiative, describing the tournament as evidence of deliberate investment in sports development. He noted that the quality of players on display suggested that Nigerian football, particularly in the Niger Delta, continues to produce promising talent.
Corporate sponsors and partners, including Premium Trust Bank, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and other organisations, were also commended for supporting the tournament. Additional financial contributions from public officials further boosted the prize pool for winning teams.
