24 Clubs Gear Up In Calabar For Governor’s Club
Twenty-four community football clubs have indicated interest to participate in the 2023 Governor’s Cup tournament tagged “Sweet Prince Club” in Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
The tournament, which is coming after 6 years in the doldrums, would be held across six centres in the state where community teams from the 18 local government areas and 6 privately owned clubs have been registered for the matches.
According to the Chairman of the Cross River State Football Association, Pastor Essien Ayi, the 2023 Governor’s Cup has received the support of the governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
Ayi, who has been a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, explained that the essence of the competition was for talent discovery and foster unity amongst the Cross River State people.
“We are very happy that the Governor’s Cup is back. This year, the tournament is tagged “Sweet Prince Cup” and you all know that the Governor’s Cup has a history in Cross River State in that many talents such as Etim Esin and others were discovered during the tournament.
“So, as usual this competition is aimed at discovering grassroots talents and to achieve unity in the state; promote that cohesiveness because the players and teams are coming from all the 18 local government areas and 6 privately owned clubs. Football is a unifying sport and we are determined to foster greater peace and unity amongst our people,” said the FA Chairman.
Continuing, Ayi said, “it will interest you to know that the governor, Senator Bassey Otu has already released the funds for the competition. We did not have this level of commitment in the past eight years. With this gesture, Governor Otu has shown commitment to this very important competition for grassroots sports development.
“As it stands, the kickoff of the competition will be on Saturday November 25th at the U. J. Esuene Stadium here in Calabar after which the tournament would be held at other centres. We have 2 centres in Yala local government area, 2 in Ikom local government area, One at Ugep in Yakurr and the final will be here again.
“The governor will be attending the finals. There are trophies, medals and cash prizes for winners. We have a sponsor for the best goal keeper of the competition and hope others take advantage of this year’s tournament and collaborate with us,” he said.
The FA Chairman disclosed that the kickoff of the competition would be preceded by a road show and unveiling of the Governor’s Cup trophy at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
