Prosperity Cup partners Barcelona FC ahead of 2026 tournament

Organisers of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, have announced a partnership with Spanish football giants, Barcelona FC, ahead of the 2026 edition of the competition.

Speaking at the pre-event World Press Conference, the Director-General of the tournament, Ono Akpe, disclosed that Barcelona FC coaches would conduct an international coaching clinic in Yenagoa from February 23 to 25, 2026, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development and the Bayelsa State Football Association.

According to him, the UEFA-certified training programme will focus on Barcelona FC’s coaching methodology and philosophy, and will accommodate 50 coaches.

Akpe said the organisers were intensifying efforts to raise standards, noting that other capacity-building initiatives include refresher programmes for referees, as well as training for medical and media personnel.

“These initiatives are designed to enhance the skills of key stakeholders and contribute to the overall development of football in Bayelsa State,” he said.

As preparations continue for the eighth edition of the tournament, the organisers also announced an increase in prize money, with N30 million earmarked for the male category and N10 million for the female category, in commemoration of Bayelsa State’s 30th anniversary.

The competition is scheduled to kick off on March 1, 2026, with preliminary matches to be held across 30 centres in the state. Local government area finals will take place from April 8 to 20, while the grand finale is slated for May 2, 2026.

Akpe said the partnership with Barcelona FC underscored the Prosperity Cup’s commitment to excellence and its growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading grassroots football tournaments.

“As we look forward to an exciting Season 8, we invite stakeholders, sponsors, and football enthusiasts to join us on this journey.”

‎He, however, thanked Bayelsa State government, lead sponsors Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other sponsors for their massive support over the years in the tournament.

‎He equally called on multinational oil companies operating in the state, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, and the Niger Delta Development Commission to align with the vision of the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, by co-sponsoring the competition.