Pelican Stars Run Riot, Blank Bekwarra Queens 3-0 To Clinch Queen’s Cup Title In Calabar

CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – Pelican Stars Football Club delivered a commanding performance, defeating Bekwarra Queens 3-0 to win the third edition of the Queen’s Cup competition in Calabar.

The high-tempo final unfolded at the U. J. Esuene Sports Stadium main bowl, drawing a vibrant crowd and dignitaries celebrating the Governor’s wife’s birthday.

The tournament formed part of activities marking the sixty second birthday of Bishop Eyo-anwan Bassey Otu, drawing eight days of intense multi-sport competition.

Pelican Stars asserted dominance early, pressing high and controlling possession as Bekwarra Queens struggled to contain their attacking transitions throughout the first half.

Peace Ewa opened scoring in the fourteenth minute, finishing clinically after a swift attacking build-up that sliced through Bekwarra Queens’ defensive structure.

She doubled the advantage in the twenty sixth minute, capitalizing on defensive lapses and converting from close range after sustained pressure inside the penalty area.

Pelican Stars maintained tempo after halftime, dictating rhythm and limiting Bekwarra Queens to sporadic counterattacks that failed to threaten their defensive organization.

Mary Anthony sealed victory in the fifty seventh minute, finishing off a coordinated move that exposed gaps in Bekwarra Queens’ backline.

Officials said Pelican Stars’ tactical discipline and attacking cohesion proved decisive, as they controlled key phases and neutralized opposition threats effectively.

Speaking after the final whistle, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, praised the intensity displayed by both finalists.

Ayambem said the match showcased remarkable technical quality and competitive spirit, reflecting growing standards in grassroots women’s football development across the state.

He commended the Governor’s wife for sustaining the tournament, noting it provides a viable platform for identifying and nurturing emerging talents.

“The level of play we witnessed today confirms that this competition is producing future stars,” Ayambem stated while addressing journalists at the venue.

He added that structured grassroots competitions remain critical for building a strong pipeline of players capable of competing at national and international levels.

Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Lawrence Etta Itanya, said the tournament has expanded beyond football to include multiple sporting disciplines.

Itanya explained that basketball, volleyball, athletics, chess, kokowa and table tennis were integrated to broaden participation and deepen sports development statewide.

He noted that the competition serves as a preparatory platform for Pelican Stars ahead of the National Women Championship scheduled later this year.

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According to him, the club aims to secure promotion into the Nigeria Women Premier League next season through improved performance and structured preparation.

“The Queen’s Cup offers match fitness and tactical sharpening opportunities necessary for higher level competitions,” Itanya said while outlining the Commission’s objectives.

He emphasized that the tournament remains exclusively for female athletes, reinforcing efforts to promote gender inclusion and empower women through sports development initiatives.

Tournament statistics further highlighted Pelican Stars’ dominance, with Mary Anthony emerging highest goal scorer after netting ten goals across the competition.

Jennifer Wilfred secured the best goalkeeper award, credited for consistent performances and crucial saves that anchored Pelican Stars’ defensive solidity.

Organizers awarded the fair play prize to Jesus Academy, recognizing discipline and sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament’s duration.

Earlier in the day, Ekabakon Queens of Ikom edged Ashley Academy in a dramatic third place playoff decided via penalty shootout.

Both teams settled for a one-all draw in regulation time, forcing penalties where Ekabakon Queens triumphed 5-4 after a tense shootout.

Spectators described the playoff as fiercely contested, with both sides demonstrating resilience, tactical awareness and attacking intent throughout the encounter.

Sports analysts at the venue noted that the tournament continues to raise competitive standards while providing visibility for emerging female athletes.

They said sustained investment and consistent organization could position Cross River State as a hub for women’s sports excellence in Nigeria.

Observers also highlighted improved officiating, better coordination and growing fan engagement as indicators of the competition’s steady evolution.

Truth live news report that with the latest edition concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism that future tournaments will attract wider participation and stronger institutional support.

They stressed that structured competitions like the Queen’s Cup remain essential for talent discovery, performance development and long-term sports sustainability.

As Pelican Stars celebrate their triumph, attention now shifts to their upcoming national campaign where expectations remain high for another dominant outing.