Hon. Agnes Atsu Hails Sports Development at 2024 Cross River Governor’s Cup Final
The 2024 Cross River State Governor's Cup final, held at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on December 15th, ended in a dramatic fashion, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. A tense encounter saw the match finish 1-1 after full time, with the two teams battling it out in a penalty shootout. In the end, the private club from Bekwarra emerged victorious, securing the trophy with a 5-4 win in penalties over Obudu Fc
The game, which showcased the spirit and competitiveness of local football, was a fitting climax to a tournament that brought together some of the finest football talent in the state. Despite the fierce competition, it was the Bekwarra team, led by ACHU Olaye, who held their nerves during the penalty shootout to claim the coveted title.
In her remarks at the event, Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Commissioner for Sports Development, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the 2024 edition. She also took the opportunity to commend the Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey, for his unwavering support of sports in the state. “Sports is a vital avenue to channel the energy of our youth positively, and it’s crucial we continue supporting this sector,” Hon. Atsu remarked. She emphasized the role of sports in curbing youth restlessness and promoting personal development, calling on well-meaning Cross Riverians to invest in the future of the state’s athletes. “By supporting sports, we create opportunities for our youth to become not only better athletes but also better leaders and role models in their communities,” she added.
The 2024 Cross River Governor’s Cup, which saw outstanding performances from both teams, reinforced the importance of local competitions in nurturing the next generation of football stars. The event's success highlighted the growing potential of sports in the region, and the victory of the Bekwarra private club will certainly inspire other teams and athletes to aim higher in future competitions.
As Cross River State continues to foster sports development, the hope is that such tournaments will serve as platforms for both skill development and youth empowerment, ultimately transforming sports into a key pillar of societal progress in the state.