Team Cross River Returns to Calabar After Sixth-Place Finish at Niger Delta Sports Festival

Etta Lawrence Hails Athletes’ Effort, Promises Stronger Future for Cross River Sports

Team Cross River contingents have arrived safely in Calabar after finishing sixth overall at the just concluded Niger Delta Sports Festival held in Benin City, Edo State.

The Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Hon. Etta Lawrence, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, describing it as encouraging despite the short preparation period and ongoing rebuilding process in the state’s sports sector.

Cross River secured a total of nine gold, seven silver, and 22 bronze medals — a 38-medal haul that signals steady progress for the state.

According to Lawrence, the commission met a near-empty system upon assumption of office and had to return to grassroots development, scouting talents across local government areas to rebuild competitive teams.

“We inherited virtually no ready athletes for major competitions. We had to mobilize coaches and identify young talents from across the state,” he stated.

He added that the one-month camping period before the festival played a key role in strengthening team spirit and sharpening performance.

Beyond the medals, Lawrence highlighted the exposure gained by many young athletes — some of whom travelled outside the state for the first time — as a major milestone.

He expressed optimism that with sustained grassroots investment and stakeholder support, Cross River will soon reclaim its pride of place in Nigerian sports.