A 100 percent increment of N5 million has been offered to top up subvention rates of the Rovers Football Club of Calabar.
The Cross River State Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, announced the 100 percent increment, while receiving the team’s players in the governor’s office premises in Calabar.
In his avowed commitment to football development, the Governor increases the money from N5 million to N10 million as subvention for the State-owned soccer team.
Otu also thanked the management and players of Rovers Football Club for holding the forte for the team with a rich history in the anals of Nigerian football, amid underfunding.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Nsa Gill, made this known in a social media post on Saturday April 20, 2024.
He said the Governor’s magnanimity underscores his determination to reposition football and sports in general in the state.
Therefore, with a gut feeling of having made a good decision, he said thus:
“Let me thank and congratulate you for what you have been doing over the years.”
“Rovers is a club with very rich history,” he observed.
“This government is poised to promoting sports as a business.”
Also, on the players’ health and wellness, Otu directed that immediate medical attention be given to injured footballers.
Meanwhile, he has also promised to provide the team with a brand new bus in 2025.
Additionally, he has promised to look into other teething challenges bothering the football club.
Moreso, he has also commended the Rovers Football Club 18-year-old goalkeeper, Clinton Andy, who was on international duties with Nigeria’s under 20 national team.
He thanked him for flying Cross River colours and making the state proud.
He further prayed for more open doors for the players as they pursue their football dreams.
Afterward, he expressed hope that the staff and player of Rovers Football Club will double their efforts in returning the Club to its pride of place as a major force in Nigerian football.
The Commissioner for Sports Development, Mrs Agnes Atsu, noted that the players’ visit to the governor became necessary to present some challenges bedeviling Rovers Football Club.
She said they are five games away from concluding the Nigerian National Football League.
Also, the club’s captain, Inyang Asuquo highlighted some of the issues facing Rovers Football Club to include: lack of adequate funding, rickety team bus, poor medical attention to players, funding for players’ camping, among others.
The captain thanked the governor for his swift response through the increment of subvention for the team and other positive assurances given to the club.
Also, he has promised that his team will do everything within its power to repay the confidence of the present administration.
Truth Live News learned that highpoint of the meeting were the under 20 returnee’s presentation of his jersey to the governor and a photo session of Otu and the elated players.