By Ben Efe

Cross River state government is in a race to complete the refurbishing of the U.J Esuene Stadium tartan tracks, which is in bad shape. The yearly Calabar Carnival was partly responsible for the damage. Of late the stadium became a destination for athletics as the Cross River State government embarked on an aggressive development of athletics talents in its locality and also its decision to sponsor the All Nigeria track and field championships for three years running made the stadium a beehive for athletics activities.

In addition, the U.J Esuene hosted the Super Eagles and the Golden Eaglets in their respective qualifying matches for the African Nations Cup and World Cup. Cross River commissi-oner for sports, Mr. Patrick Ugbe disclosed that work was fast progressing, adding that before the athletics events spread to Calabar this season, the tracks would have been ready.