The Bayelsa State Government has formalized a strategic partnership with Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona to launch a football academy within the state. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was executed on Friday during the climax of the 2026 Prosperity Cup at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex.
Dr. Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Sports, represented the state, while Bernat Villa Garris signed for the Catalan club. The historic agreement was witnessed by high-ranking football officials, including former NFF President Amaju Pinnick and Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
The ceremony coincided with the grand finale of the eighth Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament. In a closely contested men’s championship match, Okoroma United of Nembe claimed the title with a 1-0 win over Akinima Biogbo. This grassroots success served as the backdrop for the announcement of the new academy, which aims to provide world-class technical training for the region’s rising stars.
