Cross River FA Inaugurates Matchday Security Committee As Pelican Stars Set To Unveil New Coach Next Week

NIGERIA, CALABAR – The Cross River State Football Association has inaugurated an eight-member Security Committee to enforce stricter matchday safety protocols statewide.

The decision, announced in Calabar, signals a coordinated reform drive targeting discipline, crowd control, and institutional credibility.

Chairman of the Association, Apostle Essien Ayi, said football administration must prioritise safety to sustain growth and investor confidence.

Represented by First Vice Chairman, Mr. Greg Abang, Apostle Ayi declared that security management remains fundamental to organised competition.

He charged the newly constituted committee with ensuring adequate security before, during, and after every football match.

“The primary responsibility of this committee is to guarantee proper security arrangements at all match centres,” Abang stated.

He insisted that members must design preventive strategies to discourage disturbances and enforce order consistently.

Abang warned that lapses in security could undermine the integrity of competitions and discourage family participation.

He congratulated members on their appointments and assured them of administrative and logistical support.

“The Football Association will provide the necessary backing to enable you succeed,” he affirmed.

Security Agencies, Supporters Integrated Into Structure

Mr. Johnson Eko James will chair the Security Committee and coordinate operational planning across match venues.

Responding, James thanked the Association for the confidence reposed in the committee members.

“We appreciate this opportunity to serve and we will discharge our responsibilities effectively,” James said.

He disclosed that the committee would establish clear operational guidelines and reporting channels immediately.

• (no title)
• Inadequate Equipment Weakening Police Operations — Former PSC Boss
• ADC, NNPP Reject New Electoral Act, Describe Law as Threat to Democracy
• Again, Bandits Strike Madagali, Fintiri’s Hometown
• OAUSTECH Produces Top Graduates, Records Historic Academic Feat

ASP Meeting Funkeyi of the Nigeria Police Force will serve as Vice Chairman of the committee.
Other members include Mr. Archibong Udoh and Mr. Effiong Essien of the Rovers Supporters Club.

Also appointed are Mr. Essien Coco-Bassey, Mr. Edem Ephraim, SP Colombus Enu of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Mr. Oqua Etim.

The inclusion of police and civil defence officers reflects an integrated, multi-agency security approach.

Truth live news reports that Football observers believe the structure could reduce incidents of pitch invasion and post-match unrest.

A club administrator, speaking off record, described the initiative as overdue but necessary.

He noted that sponsors consider safety records before investing in state football competitions.

Supporters in Calabar welcomed the development, describing it as a step toward restoring confidence.

Analysts argue that proactive security planning strengthens league branding and competitive stability.

Pelican Stars Set for Technical Reset Monday

Meanwhile, Pelican Stars Football Club will unveil its chief coach and technical crew on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The event will hold at 11am at the VIP Lounge of the stadium pool in Calabar.

An official notice signed by the club secretary invited stakeholders and the general public.

Management described the unveiling as part of a broader technical restructuring process.

Sources within the club said consultations preceded the finalisation of coaching appointments.

A senior insider disclosed that performance benchmarks and administrative scrutiny guided the selection process.

The source said management expects tactical discipline and youth development reforms under the new leadership.

Although the club has not officially named the incoming chief coach, anticipation continues to build.

Sports analysts view the unveiling as a strategic complement to the FA’s security reforms.

They argue that institutional discipline off the pitch must align with technical discipline on the pitch.

Pelican Stars, a prominent women’s football side in Cross River, seeks competitive resurgence this season.

Stakeholders believe the unveiling ceremony will outline the club’s strategic roadmap and performance targets.

The secretary reaffirmed management’s commitment to transparency and professionalism ahead of the event.

Reform Momentum Signals New Direction for Cross River Football

The simultaneous security overhaul and technical restructuring reflect deliberate governance recalibration in Cross River football.

Administrators appear determined to strengthen operational systems and rebuild public trust.

By integrating security agencies and supporters into formal structures, the FA aims to institutionalise accountability.

By restructuring its technical crew, Pelican Stars signals ambition and readiness for competitive renewal.

Football stakeholders now watch closely as both reforms move from policy declarations to implementation.

For Cross River football, the coming weeks will determine whether security discipline and technical leadership translate into measurable progress.