CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – Twenty-four teams, comprising representatives of Cross River State’s 18 local government areas and six private sides, have been listed for the 2026 Prince Otu Cup as organisers intensify preparations for the grassroots football competition.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Football Association, Apostle (Rt. Hon.) Essien Ayi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists during a press briefing in Calabar on Tuesday.
Ayi said the draws for participating teams had been completed, while a capacity-building seminar had also been conducted for coaches, referees, match commissioners and other football stakeholders ahead of the tournament.
He said the seminar was designed to improve technical knowledge, strengthen officiating standards and ensure that participants understood their responsibilities in delivering a credible and professionally organised competition.
According to him, the tournament, tagged Prince Otu Cup for Consolidation and Continuity, is aimed at strengthening grassroots football, discovering emerging talents, empowering young people and promoting sporting excellence across the state.
The chairman said the Football Association remained committed to fairness, discipline, transparency and respect for the rules of the game throughout the competition.
He urged participating teams, coaches, players, officials and supporters to demonstrate good sportsmanship, while calling on sports journalists to support the association in promoting the tournament and showcasing emerging football talents.
Ayi also commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for his commitment to sports development and youth empowerment, acknowledging the support of the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, and the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Mr. Etta Lawrence.
The participating sides comprise 18 local government teams and six private teams, including Gold Stars FC Calabar, Hope of Glory Academy, Ekajuk United Ogoja, Fr. Jonathan FC Ogoja, Bakor United Ikom and Rexpedro Soccer Academy Ikom.
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