By Denis E. Inakefe (ANIPR)
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has reaffirmed Governor Otu’s commitment to Sports development in the State. He made this known on Sunday, 19th November 2023, after Cross River’s Rover FC secured a 1:0 victory over Abeokuta’s Stormers FC, at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
Hon. Elvert Ayambem, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Nelly Elverts Ayambem, attended the game to show support for the players. He expressed his admiration for the disciplined and talented players on the field and mentioned his long-standing support for the Rovers team. He reminisced about the club’s successful past and expressed hopes for their promotion to the Nigerian Professionals Football League (NPFL).
Ayambem praised the efforts of the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, and the Rovers FC management team in upholding the state’s football pride. After encouraging the visiting team, Stormers FC, Ayambem spoke with the players of Rovers Of Calabar FC, assuring them of his support and the government’s commitment to improving sports and meeting their needs to enhance their performance in the game.
Elvert Ayambem emphasized that the team is now under scrutiny by the entire state. Therefore, it is crucial for them to represent the state admirably and, as a result, rekindle the interest of fans who had lost faith in their performance. Ayambem expressed delight in witnessing the team make a strong comeback in the recent game.
As a motivational gesture, the speaker rewarded the goalscorer with a sum of Fifty Thousand Naira(N50,000) and also pledged a Hundred And Fifty Thousand Naira(N150,000) supporting the team. Ayambem conveyed his satisfaction and expressed his anticipation for more triumphant moments for the Rovers FC in future matches.
The match, which concluded with a 1:0 victory for the Rovers FC, saw midfielder Jesam Joecare scoring in the 84th minute. The game attracted numerous supporters from all over the state, who gathered to encourage the Rovers FC to give their best performance on the field.
