…Commits to Sports Development in Cross River
Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has congratulated the Canaan Queens of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Calabar, for their remarkable performance at the 2025 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) African Club Championships in Tunisia, where they secured a bronze medal for Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Governor described the team’s achievement as a moment of pride for Cross River State and Nigeria, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports development.
“The Canaan Queens have made history and made us proud. Their dedication, resilience, and exceptional performance on the continental stage serve as an inspiration to young athletes in Cross River State and beyond. This achievement is a testament to the talent and potential that exists within our state, and as a government, we will continue to support sports development to ensure more successes like this,” Governor Otu stated.
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The Governor acknowledged the role of the Canaan Table Tennis Club’s management, coaches, and supporters in nurturing the players, adding that their success reflects the state’s investment in youth and sports.
Earlier, wife of the Governor, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Otu, had commended the team, emphasizing their impact as role models for young girls across Nigeria. She reiterated her passion for empowering the girl child, stating:
“The Canaan Table Tennis Club has made us proud once again. Their performance in Tunisia is not just a victory for Cross River State but for the entire nation. As someone deeply committed to the empowerment of young girls, I am particularly inspired by the Canaan Queens, who have proven that with determination and hard work, greatness is achievable in any field.”
Meanwhile, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Chairman of the Canaan Table Tennis Club and Cross River State’s representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), hailed the team’s accomplishment, noting that it reinforces Nigeria’s growing influence in international table tennis.
The Canaan Queens, who represented Nigeria in the competition, emerged as one of the top teams among 54 participating countries, securing their place among Africa’s elite. Their bronze medal victory reveals the strength of Nigerian table tennis and the potential for future successes on the global stage.
