MLDM FC stage dramatic comeback to clinch third place while Bayelsa Stars edge Ezougha Queens in thrilling Prosperity Cup 2026 encounters.

Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC of Odi and Bayelsa Stars of Ovom have emerged third-place winners in the 2026 edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup.
In the women’s third-place encounter held at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa Stars defeated Ezougha Queens 3-2 to claim the ₦2,000,000 prize money meant for the second runners-up.
Ezougha Queens, who finished fourth, received ₦1,000,000 alongside an additional ₦500,000 consolation prize, while the eventual winners of the women’s category are expected to take home ₦10,000,000.
In the men’s category, MLDM FC defeated Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene 4-3 on penalties after both teams settled for an entertaining 3-3 draw during regulation time. MLDM FC displayed resilience and determination, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to secure victory.
Anthony Moses gave Krosaders FC the lead in the 39th minute with a long-range strike, while Ebiye Jeremiah doubled the advantage in the 46th minute. MLDM FC responded in the 50th minute through Justin Ekubo to reduce the deficit after a difficult start.
Jeremiah grabbed his second goal in the 67th minute to restore Krosaders’ two-goal cushion, but MLDM FC fought back again as Ekubo Justin scored in the 74th minute. The Coach Collins-led side eventually equalized in the 86th minute through a header from Moku Peremene, forcing the match into penalties.
Following the victory, MLDM FC went home with ₦5,000,000, while fourth-placed Krosaders FC received ₦2,000,000 and an additional ₦1,000,000 as consolation prizes.
Speaking after the game, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, praised the organizers for introducing yearly innovations into the competition. He stressed that grassroots sports remain the foundation for nurturing footballers and other athletes.
He added that beyond the prize money and trophies, the tournament has significantly contributed to the growth of women’s football in the state, expressing confidence that some of the female players would soon progress to the Bayelsa Queens team.
MLDM FC coach, Collins Robert, described the achievement as overwhelming, noting that finishing third among 228 participating teams reflected the commitment and determination of the players, coaches, and supporters.
The grand finale of the tournament, alongside the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the FC Barcelona-affiliated Bayelsa Starlets Academy, is scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.