. . . As Prosperity XI prepare for Africa Youth Cup in Cape Verde

The Local Organizing Committee of Nigerias biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa State Governors Football Tournament christened Prosperity Cup have concluded plans for the Gov Douye Diri U-18 Invitational Football Tournament.

The organizers In a statement signed by the Director General of Prosperity Cup Mr. Ono Akpe and the Deputy Director General, Deacon Emmanuel Appah, say the tournament will commence from Thursday to Sunday, September 14 to 17, 2023 at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

According to the statement, accommodation would be provided for participating teams from outside Bayelsa State, emphasising that the essence of the tournament is to discover talents and keep the Bayelsa Starlets in shape ahead of the Remo Invitational Tournament in Ogun State coming up on the 2^ndof October and the Africa Youth Championship Cup in Cape Verde also in October.

The Bayelsa Starlets aka Prosperity Boys are a select team of under-17 players selected from the just concluded Bayelsa Governors Cup which have been in camp since the end of the tournament.

The statement also notes that participating teams are expected to arrive Yenagoa from Wednesday 13^th, 2023, pointing out that the competition would be monitored by local scouts from Nigeria with teams divided into two groups of four teams each.

It explains that the eight participating teams are Dynamo Academica of Benin, Edo State, Tektop Football Academy Awka, Anambra State, Blessed Stars AcademyUyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Bayelsa United Feeders, Dreams FA Academy and Bayelsa Starlets. Two additional teams from Bayelsa State are expected to be part of the tournament.

The statement applauds Governor Douye Diri and his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon (Dr) Daniel Igali for giving Bayelsa youths the platform to showcase themselves to the world.

The LOC wishes all the teams the best and look forward to a wonderful tournament.