From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The much-anticipated 2024 Cross River Governors’ Cup football competition is set to kick off at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, with 32 teams slated to participate in what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
The competition will feature 18 teams representing each of the 18 local government areas of Cross River State, alongside 14 private teams from across the region. This was confirmed by Apostle Essien Ayi, Chairman of the Cross River State Football Association (CRSFA), during the official draw ceremony.
Apostle Ayi, who was represented by Mr. Creg Abang, Vice Chairman of the CRSFA, highlighted that the participating local government teams include clubs from Calabar, Awi, Ekori, Ikom, Ogoja, Yala, and Obudu, among others.
The draw was officially opened by Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Commissioner for Sports, on behalf of the Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu. She noted that aside from the 18 local government teams, several private clubs from the state would also join the competition. These include notable clubs such as Peace Angels FC (Yala), Achu Olaye FC (Bekwarra), Flying Stars FC (Ikom), Bakor United FC (Ogoja), Ababene United FC (Obubra), Diamond Stars FC (Calabar), and Liberty Lions FC (Calabar).
Other private clubs featured in the competition are E-World FC, Crystal Academy FC, Prince Seven FC, Essien Ayi FC, Dunamis FC, Dream Stars FC, and Hope of Glory FC, all from Calabar.
The Cross River Governors’ Cup is expected to be a highly competitive tournament, drawing attention from football fans across the state and beyond. The opening fixtures are eagerly anticipated, with local and private clubs vying for the coveted title.
The tournament will run over several weeks at the UJ Esuene Stadium, with the final match set to showcase the best of Cross River State’s football talent.
The event promises to further boost the state’s sports development, particularly in football, and promote local talent to a broader audience.