The Director-General, Governor Seriake Dickson’s Football Competition, Ono Akpe, on Friday said that N11 million had been earmarked as prize money for the second edition of the game.
Akpe, who made the disclosure in Yenagoa, said the competition, strictly for community football clubs and tertiary institutions for the eight local government areas in Bayelsa.
He said that the tournament, tagged: “Restoration Cup 2018’’, would hold in March.
The director called on all interested communities to avail themselves the opportunity and participate in the competition.
Akpe said: “Interested clubs should pick their forms at the Ijaw House, along Sani Abacha expressway in Yenagoa.
“Selling of forms will commence on Monday, February 26, and it will last for two weeks, to enable the organisers to conduct the draws before the tournament proper.
“The game is strictly on knock-out basis and only the final two teams will emerge from the eight local areas, while the round of sixteen, will take place at the brand new turf at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa.
“The prize money remains the same as the maiden edition in 2017.
“The winners will get N5 million, N3 million for the second best team, while the third best team will smile home with N2 million.
“Other consolation prizes include N500,000 for the fourth best team, N200,000 for the best behaved team, N100,000 each for the best goalkeeper, highest goal scorer, and of course, the most valuable player.’’
Akpe added that a set of jerseys would be provided for all participating teams after registration, noting that no team would be allowed to register after the deadline.
He said that some former footballers and other scouts would be at match venues to select outstanding players from the competition.
He urged well-meaning people of Bayelsa, Nigerians and corporate organisations to support the initiative which was billed to foster peace and harmony in the state.