Cross River Govt Boosts Rovers FC, Reconstitutes Pelican Stars Management in Sports Reforms Push

The Cross River State Government has renewed its commitment to football development with a major intervention targeted at its state-owned clubs, Rovers FC and Pelican Stars Football Club, aimed at improving their welfare, finances and overall status.

Speaking on the development, Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Mr. Etta Lawrence Itanya, revealed that Governor Bassey Otu has significantly increased the monthly subvention for Rovers FC from ₦5 million to ₦20 million. According to him, the increment was designed to directly address players’ welfare challenges and boost morale within the team.

“His Excellency increased it to ₦20 million,” Lawrence said, noting that the decision has already brought relief to the club and renewed hope among players and officials.

Despite the financial boost, Lawrence admitted that Rovers FC has not met the expectations of football lovers in the state, particularly regarding top-flight promotion. However, he assured that reforms are ongoing and that the era of “business as usual” in the club’s operations is over.

“For football lovers, we would have loved to see Rovers at the top tier,” he stated, emphasizing that structural and administrative changes are now being implemented to reposition the club.

In a related development, the state government has also approved the constitution of a new management board for Pelican Stars Football Club as part of broader reforms in the sports sector. A statement signed by Mr. Etta Itanya confirmed that the new management is expected to assume office immediately and align with the governor’s vision for sports development in Cross River State.

The newly appointed officials include Mrs. Sofia Francis Aribiah as Chairman and Mr. Johnson Eko as Vice Chairman. Other members are Mr. Tom Aniah (Team Manager), Mr. Edem Umo Ephraim (Sporting Director), Mr. Hodo Williams (Welfare Officer), Hon. Patrick Ifere, Mr. Ani Oku Ita, Mr. Tom Melody Bassey, and Mr. Eyo Eyo Yellowduke, with Mrs. Vivien Cocoma Inyang serving as Secretary. Stakeholders, players, technical crew and supporters have been urged to give the new management full cooperation.

Opinion: A Promising Step, But Results Must Follow

The increase in Rovers FC’s subvention and the overhaul of Pelican Stars’ management signal a welcome shift in Cross River State’s approach to sports development. For years, inadequate funding and weak structures have held back the state’s football potential, despite its rich history in Nigerian football.

However, while improved funding is a strong foundation, it must be matched with accountability, technical competence and long-term planning. Fans will be watching closely—not just for announcements, but for tangible results on the pitch. If these reforms are sustained and properly managed, Cross River could once again become a formidable force in Nigerian football.