Prosperity Cup 2026: Losing Fantuo Coach Vows to Bounce Back in Round of 32

The coach of Fantuo FC, Omoh Alex Wadubanyo, has expressed confidence that his team will recover from their heavy defeat and return stronger in the Round of 32 of the Prosperity Cup.

Fantuo FC suffered a six-nil loss to Okoroma FC in the Nembe Local Government Area final played on Sunday, a result that saw their opponents emerge champions of the LGA stage.

In a message shared on the Prosperity Cup Coaches WhatsApp platform, Wadubanyo congratulated Okoroma FC on their victory, describing them as a very good side that deserved to win.

“Congratulations to Okoroma FC, my opponents today. You deserved the victory. Of a truth, Okoroma FC deserve the victory, but trust me, we are coming back stronger,” he said.

The coach urged observers not to judge his team by the outcome of the final, noting that the match was only their second outing in the competition and that the squad is still building cohesion.

He said the team would improve as the tournament progresses, expressing optimism that better performances will emerge beginning from the Round of 32.

According to him, the technical crew has already identified lapses in the team, and plans are underway to reinforce the squad through new additions while intensifying training sessions ahead of the next phase.

Wadubanyo added that despite the scoreline, his players showed promising signs and would improve with time.

“My boys played well, but we are going to work on our defence, midfield and attacking line. We have seen our lapses, and we are going to do a few transfers and get prepared for the Round of 32. Trust me, a few additions and more training will give us favourable results. I am very sure that once they are well blended, the results will speak out loud and clear. The transfer window is going to give strength to my team, so do not judge us by our loss but judge us after the Round of 32 matches,” he said.

Winners of the Nembe LGA final received a prize of ₦1 million, while the runners-up went home with ₦500,000.

Dignitaries at the final included George Braah, member representing Nembe Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and Alalibo West, Commissioner for Special Duties East.

Also present were Nyenye Kurokigha Matthias, Technical Adviser to the Governor on NDDC and LGA Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Abanda Tari, Political Secretary of Nembe LGA, and Ibirimo Sunday, Coordinator of the Bayelsa Vigilante Service.