C’River: Standard Unity Football Tournament Kicks Off Dec 13
By Benjamin GBOR
Excitement is rising across Cross River South as the maiden edition of the Standard Unity Football Tournament sets to kick off on December 13. Organised by The Standard Ambassadors, a coalition of associates and supporters within the political circle of the district, the tournament aims to promote unity, talent discovery and peaceful coexistence among the seven local government areas of the zone.
Speaking in Calabar on Tuesday, chairman of the organising committee, Effiom Effiwatt, said the initiative was conceived to strengthen community ties and provide young footballers with a platform to showcase their skills. He emphasised that the tournament is not being organised by the senator but by individuals within his network who are committed to grassroots sports development.
Although the competition is strictly for the seven LGAs—Akamkpa, Biase, Odukpani, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakass, Effiwatt revealed that an additional team, known as Seven Alive, has been introduced to balance the fixtures and ensure a smooth knockout format.
The tournament, scheduled to run from December 13 to December 20, will be played at neutral venues across the district to prevent home-ground tensions and maintain fairness. Effiwatt noted that the organisers are working closely with the State Football Association and the Referees’ Association to ensure standard officiating, while security and medical teams will be stationed at all match centres.
He further disclosed that while individual prizes such as Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper will be awarded, the cash prize for the champion remains undisclosed to avoid unnecessary pressure among participating teams. He also hinted that a women’s edition will be introduced in future editions.
A key highlight of the competition will be the presence of football scouts from within and outside Nigeria, who will be on the lookout for exceptional talents capable of pursuing professional careers.
Also speaking, Cross River Sports Secretary, Talabi Eke, cautioned coaches and team officials to maintain discipline throughout the tournament, stressing that most cases of football-related violence begin with reactions from the bench. He urged teams to uphold sportsmanship as the competition progresses.
The organisers confirmed that all teams will be provided with transportation, security, medical support, entertainment and full kits, including jerseys and boots, to ensure a well-coordinated and exciting tournament.
“As we prepare for kickoff, we want everyone to understand that this event is about unity,” Effiwatt said.
“We are playing to bring our communities together, and we want everyone to win together.”
