New Cross Rivers governor Bassey Otu vows to revive Pelican Stars and Calabar Rovers

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Ahead of the handing-over ceremony on Monday, new governor for Cross Rivers State, the newly elected Executive Governor of the state, Prince Bassey Otu has promised to revive the football clubs in the state.

Calabar Rovers (men) and Pelican Stars (women) had enjoyed prominence in the Nigerian topflight but have long dropped from national relevance following dwindling support from previous administrations.

Being aware of these, the incoming governor has vowed to take sports development to the next level, stressing that sports play an important role in the development of youths and the local economy of the state.

“Rovers Football Club is today not heard of anymore. Same for Pelican Stars FC, the female football team owned by the state government,” Otu told media after his induction to the Calabar Golf Club.

“Let me assure that my government will draw up a plan to revive and activate sports.

“Let me also say how happy I am to be inducted as a member of the Calabar Golf Club. I thank the organizers. Certainly, golf will be captured as part of the general sports development plans for the state.”

Before relegation from the Nigerian topflight in 2021-2022 season, Pelican Stars remain the most successful club, having won the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership a record eight times.