Rovers, Pelican Stars Have No Excuse to Fail, Says C’River FA Boss

The Chairman, Cross River Football Association (FA), Essien Ayi, has said that Rovers of Calabar and Pelican Stars have no reason to fail, given the government’s investments in the teams.
Ayi said this in Calabar on Wednesday during the unveiling of the 2026 Cross River FA Governor’s Cup, tagged: “Prince Otu’s Cup of Continuity”.
Highlighting the governor’s commitment to sports and youth empowerment, the FA boss said Gov. Bassey Otu had increased Pelican Stars’ monthly subvention from N5 million to N25 million, while Rovers’ allocation rose from N5 million to N20 million.
According to him, the governor has also ordered buses for Rovers and provided funds for Pelican Stars to participate in qualifying matches, leading to their qualification for the professional league.
Speaking further, Ayi, a former member of the House of Representatives, commended Otu for consistently funding the Governor’s Cup since assuming office.
He described the support as unprecedented and vital to grassroots football development in the state.
“The 2026 Prince Otu Cup, themed Cup of Consolidation and Continuity, will strengthen grassroots football, discover emerging talents, empower youths and promote sporting excellence.
“The association has already conducted capacity-building seminars for coaches, match commissioners, referees and other stakeholders to improve technical knowledge, officiating standards and professionalism,” he said.
He emphasised that there will be adequate security in every match venue to prevent cultism, thuggery or any form of hooliganism while also calling on local government areas to support their teams properly.
Ayi said team draws had been completed, with the competition scheduled to kick off on Nov. 8 at the Calabar Stadium, featuring an opening match between Obudu Local Government (LG) and Ikom LG.
He said preliminary matches would be played across designated centres, including Calabar, Odukpani, Ikom, Yala and Bekwarra, to ensure communities across the state experienced the competition.
“The competition schedule includes preliminary matches from Nov. 8 to Nov. 14, and second-round fixtures on Nov. 18 and 19, while semi-finals are on Nov. 28 and 29.
“The final is scheduled for Dec. 11, followed by the association’s annual general meeting on Dec. 10, as the organisers are aiming to conclude the tournament before the Calabar Carnival, which will take place at the stadium.”
Ayi appealed to sports journalists, stakeholders, participating teams and supporters to partner with the association in promoting the competition and ensure fair play.
He said the event would be used to project Cross River’s football development.
On his part, Mike Akpang, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Cross River chapter, commended the FA chairman for being a pillar of football in the state.
Akpang also congratulated the FA Chairman on attaining the age of 70.