Bayelsa State Partners with FC Barcelona for Football Academy

Bayelsa State and FC Barcelona signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a football academy in Bayelsa. The signing took place during the Prosper Cup 2026, a football tournament held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.

Dr. Daniel Igali, representing the Bayelsa State Government, and Mr.

Bernat Villa Garri from FC Barcelona signed the agreement. Governor Douye Diri emphasized the importance of this partnership in providing youth in the state with opportunities in sports and steering them away from negative influences.

The tournament featured male and female categories, with Okoroma Unit winning the male final and receiving a prize of N40 million. The female category was won by Ladi Agudama, who earned N10 million.

Governor Diri expressed disappointment over the performance of Bayelsa's team in the Nigeria Professional Football League and urged the sports commission to ensure better management. The event also saw contributions from various sponsors, including a donation of N10 million from Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service.