NIGERIA, CALABAR – The 2025 Cross River State Governor’s Cup officially kicked off on Monday, November 3, 2025, with a pre-tournament seminar and official draws ceremony at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
The two-day event, which ended on November 4, brought together football administrators, match commissioners, coaches, players, media practitioners, and representatives from all 18 local government areas of the state.
Speaking during the seminar, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development, Hon. Lawrence Etta, described the gathering as historic and symbolic for sports revival in Cross River. “It’s the first time in the history of the Governor’s Cup that we’re having a full house for the draws,” he said, expressing gratitude to Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu for reigniting grassroots football development.
Truth live news report that Etta reaffirmed the administration’s “People First” vision, stressing that the Governor’s Cup represents the government’s commitment to discovering, mentoring, and empowering young talents across the state. “The Governor’s Cup is a purely grassroots competition meant to raise new stars from our local communities,” he explained.
Addressing concerns from past editions about the exclusion of privately owned teams, Etta assured that a separate competition would soon be created to accommodate them. “We want everyone involved, community teams, private clubs, and veterans. But this particular tournament remains focused on grassroots football,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Etta mentioned the establishment of the “Pre-Social Veteran Super League,” the first of its kind in Nigeria, designed to reconnect ex-footballers and promote mentorship for young players. He promised that more initiatives would emerge in line with Governor Otu’s broader vision for sports and youth empowerment.
However, the SSA expressed dissatisfaction with the role of local government councils in supporting youth sports, accusing many of neglecting the grassroots. “Most council chairmen are not doing enough. They only remember players during tournaments and abandon them afterward,” he lamented. “That attitude goes against the Governor’s vision of youth inclusion and community development through sports.”
Etta called for sustainable investment, better funding, and consistent engagement of young athletes. “Our youths must be trained, supported, and given hope through football and other sports,” he added.
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In his address, the Chairman of the Cross River State Football Association (CRSFA) and former member of the House of Representatives, Apostle Essien Ayi, offered prayers of thanksgiving for the success of previous editions and divine guidance for the 2025 competition. “We thank God for His grace and for leaders who continue to strengthen the vision of football in Cross River State,” he prayed, declaring the event open.
The highlight of the occasion was the official draws of the 2025 Cross River Governor’s Cup, which featured 18 local government teams grouped as follows:
Group A (Akpabuyo / St. Patrick College) – Boki United, Cocoa Giant of Etung, Yala United, and Bekwarra United.
Group B (Ikom Township Stadium) – Leopard FC, Odukpani Crackers, Abi Waves, Atlantic Warriors of Bakassi, and Akpabuyo United.
Group C (Hope Waddell Institution / St. Patrick College) – Black Cat FC of Ogoja, Obubra United, Ranch Pillars of Obanliku, Hill Top of Obudu, and Ikaborom Stars of Ikom.
Group D (Thomas Aggetterik Institute of Management & Technology, Ogoja) – Anantigha Warriors of Calabar South, Yakurr United, Biase United, and Akamkpa United.
The event marks the beginning of what organizers describe as a new era for football in Cross River State. The competition runs under the slogan “It’s a Season of Sweet Football!”, symbolizing unity, youth engagement, and renewed hope for grassroots sports.
Participants and observers hailed the Cross River State Football Association for its professional organization and inclusiveness. Many described the 2025 edition as a model for community-based sports revival. “This is the kind of initiative that rebuilds local pride and gives our young people purpose,” a participant told The Investigator.
The 2025 Governor’s Cup is expected to produce new stars and rekindle community spirit across the state’s 18 local government areas.