From 1,000 home-grown athletes to NWFL promotion, new Sports Commission leadership delivers results
Cross River State, Calabar
Six months after taking over the Cross River State Sports Commission, Chairman Hon. Lawrence Etta Itanya says the state’s sports story is finally changing — and the results are already showing.
Appointed by the Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu. on November 25, 2025, Itanya promised a new direction. Yesterday, Pelican Stars sealed qualification back to the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership, the latest proof that the reforms are working.
“This is about keeping a promise,” Itanya said. “Every day since I assumed office has been about delivering for His Excellency and for our athletes.”
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From Crisis to Fifth Place
The first major test came in February with the Niger Delta Sports Festival With little time to prepare, the Commission mobilised over 1,000 athletes, coaches and officials under a new policy: prioritize indigenous Cross River talent over mercenaries.
With no camping facility, athletes were lodged in hotels for 35 days despite tight finances.
The payoff was immediate. Cross River jumped from the bottom of the table to finish 5th overall winning far more medals than in previous editions.
The momentum didn’t stop there. At the MTN Champs, athletics meet hosted in Calabar, Cross River emerged as the best-performing state in Nigeria, outclassing all 36 states and even teams from Ethiopia.
Clubs, Grassroots, and Governance:
Beyond medals, Itanya reconstituted the management of Pelican Stars with a clear mandate: return to the elite. That decision has now paid off.
The chairman has shown his leadership Capacity by renovating the Calabar Stadium and giving it a new face. Work is also ongoing to revive Calabar Rovers strengthen 47 state sports associations, improve athlete welfare, and refocus on grassroots talent discovery.
Federations across athletics, basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis and combat sports say they are seeing renewed support and engagement.
The Challenge Ahead:
The biggest hurdle remains funding. The Commission runs on about ₦5 million monthly to cater for 1,000+ athletes, coaches’ allowances, and operations.
“It is not easy. But we have refused to allow limited resources to limit our vision,” Itanya said. He appealed to the private sector to invest: “Sports is everyone’s business. Partner with us to discover talent, empower youths, and promote your brand.”
Infrastructure is also getting attention, with work continuing at U.J. Esuene Stadium and plans for more artificial pitches. The Commission has also ramped up its digital presence to attract sponsors and spotlight athletes.
A New Chapter:
Stakeholders say the difference is clear better preparation, stronger coordination, revived clubs, and improved national performances in just half a year.
For Itanya, Pelican Stars’ promotion is more than football. “It symbolizes a broader transformation — leadership that combines vision with action.”
The first six months has proven that Cross River sports is finally on the rise again for the global visibility.
End.
