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By Akpan David, Calabar
Football clubs from all 18 local government areas of Cross River State have registered and held a draw session to compete in this year’s Governor’s Cup tournament.
Chairman of the Cross River State Football Association (FA) and former member of the House of Representatives, Apostle Essien Ayi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Calabar, noting that participation is strictly limited to LGA-owned teams and not private clubs.
He said the 18 teams have been grouped into four centres — Ikom, Ogoja, Akpabuyo, and Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar — with all matches to be played at those venues. The grand finale, he added, will hold at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
According to Ayi, the competition is designed to strengthen unity and promote football culture across the state.
He warned that acts of hooliganism, violence by teams or supporters, as well as non-appearance would attract immediate disqualification.
“The essence of this tournament is to unite our people through football. Teams whose supporters misbehave will be banned. The FA will not tolerate hooliganism of any kind,” Ayi warned.
He announced that the tournament will kick off on November 15, 2025, while the finals will take place on December 15, 2025 at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
On the prizes, Ayi disclosed that previous editions awarded ₦2.5 million, ₦2 million, and ₦1.5 million to the first, second, and third-place winners respectively alongside consola6ion prizes.
He said this year’s prize money will be higher but will be formally announced after meeting with Governor Bassey Otu.
Responding to allegations that the FA mismanaged funds from earlier tournaments, Ayi described the claims as propaganda, explaining that delays in prize disbursement were due to administrative bottlenecks, not misappropriation.
“We’ve taken steps to ensure there will be minimal or no delay in releasing this year’s prize money,” he assured.
The FA’s 1st Vice Chairman, Greg Abang, added that more tournaments would be reintroduced to revive football development in the state. He recalled that Calabar was once the base of Nigeria’s national football teams during the administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke and expressed optimism about restoring that legacy.
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