By BANNERNEWS Reporter
In an effort to restore lost glory of Pelican Stars FC, the female football team of Cross River State, the state sports commission has appointed Safia Francis-Aribia as the first female chairman of the Pelican Stars management board.
Lawrence Itanya, chairman of the commission who made the announcement yesterday said Francis-Aribia is a seasoned manager with decades of experience in Nigeria’s banking sector.
He expressed confidence that her leadership skills and corporate discipline would translate effectively into football administration.
Pelican Stars FC was about the most popular women’s football team in Africa, but current struggles contradict its heritage.
Towards this is he state government has resolved to revamp the cou, and sports generally.
Itanya noted that the Pelicans Stars decline into Nigeria’s lower championship tier remains unacceptable, given its past achievements and massive fan base.
He stated that, “Pelican Stars is a team across our hearts,” emphasizing public expectations surrounding the club’s future.
The sports commission chairman charged the Francis-Aribia’s management to focus on reviving the club’s “lost glory” through discipline, professionalism, and strategic planning.
He warned that anything short of promotion and improved performances would amount to repeating the failures of previous administrations.
According to Lawrence, visible progress would distinguish the new leadership from the past and justify public confidence invested in them.
The chairman stressed that restoring Pelican Stars would symbolize the success of ongoing sports reforms in the state.
Lawrence revealed that the state executive had already conveyed readiness to collaborate with the new management team.
He described Pelican Stars as one of the best sporting assets Cross River State has produced, citing personal memories of the club’s glory years.
Accepting the appointment, Francis-Aribia expressed gratitude, assuring that the confidence reposed in her will be consolidated.
She pledged commitment, diligence, and accountability, assuring stakeholders that her tenure would be defined by hard work, purpose, and a clear departure from past administrative failures.
According to her, passion alone would not drive success without structure, teamwork, and attention to welfare and performance.
Francis-Aribia stated that her immediate priorities include player welfare, administrative efficiency, and synergy with the technical crew.
She said the management would work hand-in-hand with experienced football professionals to reposition the club competitively.
“I’m going to work hand in hand with people that are experienced in this whole thing,” she explained.
The chairman stressed that understanding players’ challenges would form the basis for improved performances and renewed motivation.
She emphasized dialogue with existing players before embarking on major recruitment decisions.
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