PROSPERITY CUP 2024: ODI UNITED EMERGE AS CHAMPIONS OF KOLGA

The train of the ongoing local government council finals of the Bayelsa ‘s Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup on Monday, produced a champion in Kolokuma/Opokuma Council Area.

Odi United lived up to the expectations of their fans by joining Krusaders Feeders of Ekeremor, Agbere FC of Sagbama, and Kongho United of Brass to emerge as Kolokuma/Opokuma Champions.

Two goals in each half from Odi United saw the team defeat the resilient Creek FC 2:1 on match Day-4 of the Prosperity Cup LGA finals.

Odi United’s forward, Ebilado Achimota drew first blood quite early, about six minutes from kick off, as he caught the defence of Creek FC napping and slotted in the first goal – a goal that demoralized Creek FC throughout the first half.

At the resumption, Creek FC illuminated the arena, after winger, Miracle Daniel went on a solo drive to slot home from six yards and put the scoreline at one all.

Odi United bounced back to mount pressure on their opponents which paid off few minutes from time, as goalscorer Ebilado Achimota’s shot hit the cross bar, with winger Banana Clement in the right position for a rebound to increase the tally to 2-1 for his side.

The match drew widespread attendance as former local government chairmen were on ground to support the Chairman Hon Tariye Isaac Leilei, in the persons of Hon (Barr) Inemo Oruebimiekumo, Chief Ebikitin Diongoli also a former commissioner for sports, top government functionaries in the local government, chieftains in the community, opinion leaders, youth leaders alongside a powerful tournament organisers team led by the Director General Ono K. Akpe, DDG Deacon Emma Appah, Tournament Director Perela Abiro, Director of Finance Martins Diegbegha, Prosperity Cup Scouts Ada Gwegwe, Okiki, Marvelous Marcauley Akpuluma Jr and a host of others.

The Commissioner for Sports Development Hon Champion Daniel Baralate Igali was ably represented by the Asst Director Human Resource and Management of the Sports Ministry, Mike Ede-Alakere.

Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, thanked the organisers for their dedication in keeping faith with the Prosperity Cup, stressing that the tournament has continued to attract youths from all corners either as players, supporters, or fans of their community teams.

Governor Diri, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Bayelsa State Government House, Hon. Iroro Komonibo congratulated both teams for qualifying to the Round of 32 but charged them to go for the trophy so as to make all sons and daughters of Kolokuma/Opokuma proud. In his personal capacity Hon Komonibo rewarded the supporters of Creek FC with fifty thousand naira (N50,000), and another reward of a hundred thousand naira (N100,000) to supporters of the winning side, Odi United, a novelty in the tournament that sent the fans ecstatic with joy.

Chairman of the Council Area, Hon. Tariye Isaac Leilei also lauded the organisers of the tournament for making the tournament rich and progressive, as it has helped to produce budding talents from the nooks and crannies of the state over the years.

The Kolga boss on his part awarded Odi United FC with the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) and a hundred thousand naira (N100,000) to Creek FC, and equally charged both teams not to celebrate yet but to retire to their various camps in preparation for the Round of 32, all through to the finals.

Earlier, Deputy Director-General Corporate Affairs of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Deacon Emmanuel Appah, in his remarks lauded the wonderful support of the governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri the deputy governor His Excellency Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and Sports Commissioner Hon Daniel Baralate Igali, pointing out the governor was very passionate about the tournament.

He also stated that scouts were on ground to spot raw talents who would be assembled few days from now, for this year’s international scouting event, where notable foreign football scouts led by Glenn Stahl of Sweden, will be in the state to watch and hunt for talents for possible football deals abroad while about 50 coaches will undergo a refresher course on the latest coaching techniques in football.

Organisers of the Prosperity Cup presented a plaque and one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) to Odi United, a plaque and fifty thousand naira (N50,000) to Creek FC, and an award to the Kolokuma/Opokuma Chairman for his support of grassroot sports and the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament.

The local government finals train will make a stop at the Otuasega Township Field for the Ogbia LGA Final, where Otuasega FC will lock horns with Anyama FC to decide the Ogbia Champion.