The organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup, say they are pleased with the progress of the State referees in the last few years of the tournament.
Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe gave the thumbs up while speaking at the opening ceremony of the referees refresher training programme at the Golden Tulip Resort and Apartments, Onopa, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The Director General, who was represented by the Deputy Director General of the tournament, Mr Perela Aboro, noted that the training exercise has continued to improve the capacity of the state referees, pointing out that the dream of the tournament is to see Bayelsa excel at the global stage.
According to him, the state referees are receiving international recognition as a result of the continuous investment on the umpires, urging them to discharge their duties during the tournament with utmost professionalism.
He explained that five Bayelsa-born referees are in the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL, 12 in the Nigeria National League and five in the Nigeria Women Football League NWFL, maintaining that the quality of officiating has improved since the introduction of the refresher training.
Also speaking, Acting Director of Sports, Mr. Aye Andrew, while expressing gratitude to the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, charged the referees to make good use of the opportunity,
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Football Association, BSFA, Barr Porbeni Ogun, who was represented by the secretary of the Association, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe, remarked that the refresher course was not just an event but an investment in the future of football in the State.
While commending the organizers of the tournament for the exercise, the Bayelsa State Football Association boss noted that since the commencement of the refresher training for referees, complaints of controversial officiating have reduced in the tournament.
He explained that the exploits of the state referees outside the shores of Bayelsa State was indicative of the huge steps taken by the Prosperity Cup organizers for umpires in the State to compete favourably with their peers outside the state..
Speaking in an interview shortly after the end of the theoretical session of day one of the training programme, CAF instructor and member of the NFF Referees Committee, Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, emphasized that the refresher course would significantly enhance officiating standards in line with global best practices.
He appreciated the organizers for their efforts and encouraged other states to adopt similar training programmes to improve refereeing nationwide, stating that the exercise would give referees new directions when the competition begins.
Richman Otiti and Rachel Onyekwere, who participated in the training programme, acknowledged that the exercise introduced them to new laws of the game, some of which would take effect in June.
The duo expressed gratitude to the organizers for updating them with the latest officiating rules and ensuring that they remained competitive with their counterparts across Nigeria and beyond.
The theoretical session of the training programme was immediately followed by a practical session at the Government House pitch. The programme continues tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Prosperity Cup Organizers kick off referee training
