Public secondary schools emerged champions in both the boys’ and girls’ categories of the 2026 Children’s Day Football Challenge organized by the Talent-Afrique Reservoir Foundation in Calabar on Wednesday.
In the boys’ category, the public school team defeated their private school counterparts 2-1. The girls’ public school team also secured victory through penalties after a keenly contested match. The football exhibition featured selected students from public and private secondary schools across the state as part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
Sports Commission Chairman Praises Initiative
Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Lawrence Etta, commended the organizer, Dr Daniel Okwoche, for promoting grassroots sports development through private sector collaboration. Etta described the initiative as a vital contribution to government efforts aimed at discovering and nurturing young sporting talents in the state.
“I saw a lot of talent on display here today. If these children are given better platforms, they will make the state proud,” he said. The sports commission chairman also disclosed plans by the state to introduce a Cross River University Sports Festival alongside other competitions to boost youth participation in sports.
Foundation's Vision for Youth Development
Founder and Chairman of Talent Afrique Reservoir Foundation, Daniel Okwoche, said the competition was designed to identify and develop football talents among children between the ages of 11 and 19. Okwoche, a resident doctor at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, noted that the Children’s Day football challenge was intentionally organized to align with the global theme of this year’s celebration and to promote positive interaction among children.
The event highlighted the importance of sports in child development and the role of private organizations in complementing government efforts. With the success of this year’s challenge, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of grassroots sports in Cross River State.
