By Christian Njoku
CALABAR (NAN, CONVERSEER) – The Cross River Football Association (CRFA) has warned participating teams in the 2025 Governor’s Cup, that it would not tolerate acts of hooliganism, indiscipline, and poor officiating.
The warning was disclosed by the Chairman of the Association, Rt. Hon. Essien Ayi, during a press briefing in Calabar on Wednesday to unveil details of the 2025 competition.
Ayi, who was a former Member Representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, said the competition, involving all 18 Local Government Areas, will kick off on November 15 and end with the finals on December 15 at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
He noted that the competition began on November 3 with a pre-season seminar attended by vice chairmen of local councils and experienced sports administrators across the state.
According to him, the Governor’s Cup has continued to promote unity and grassroots development, with the 2025 edition recording the highest level of participation so far.
“This year’s turnout is unprecedented, all LGAs are excited and ready to participate but we will not tolerate any form of hooliganism or indiscipline,” Ayi said.
He explained that the draws, conducted earlier at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, produced four competition centres, Akpabuyo, Ikom, Calabar, and Ogoja, each hosting various Local Government teams.
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Ayi clarified that private football clubs would not feature in 2025, saying the tournament was strictly for Local Government teams to align with national Governor’s Cup standards.
“All 18 councils will receive branded jerseys bearing the governor’s image and the association’s seal. We are also proposing an increase in the prize money,” he added.
He emphasised that the association would not condone violence, bad officiating, or the use of mercenary players, stressing that erring teams and referees would face strict sanctions.
“This competition unites our state, so any team whose supporters misbehave will be banned because we want fair play, which will enable the best team to win,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Lawrence Etta, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Bassey Otu on Sports, commended the FA for sustaining the Governor’s Cup as a grassroots talent hub.
Etta urged LG chairmen to invest in their teams, pay allowances promptly, and see sports as a tool for youth empowerment, not personal gain.
He added that the government planned to introduce more grassroots tournaments, including one for private clubs and veterans, to expand sporting opportunities in the state.
Etta further encouraged the players to focus on development, discipline, and teamwork, saying football should inspire unity and pride among Cross River youths.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Group A features Boki United, Etung’s Cocoa Giants, Yala United, and Bekwarra United at the Akpabuyo Centre; Group B in Ikom includes Leopard FC, Odukpani Crackers, Abi Waves, Atlantic Warriors, and Akpabuyo United.
Group C in Calabar will see Black Cats, Obubra United, Ranch Pillars, Hilltop of Obudu, and Ekabokon Stars in action, while Group D in Ogoja hosts Anantigha Warriors, Yakurr United, Biase United, and Akamkpa United.
