The people of Cross Rivers State, especially, residents of the capital, Calabar are counting their gains from hosting the country’s national team, Super Eagles in their qualifiers for the 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World Cup.

Last weekend, shortly after the Super Eagles defeated Rwanda 2-0 to qualify for the next round of the nations cup qualifiers, most residents  of Calabar were seen celebrating the victory for other reasons more than football.

In an interview, some of them disclosed that the coming of the Super Eagles and indeed other sporting events to the city have become a blessing for them.

A businessman, who runs a drinking joint close to the U.J Esuene Stadium Etim Eyo, said that sporting events, especially, Super Eagles matches have impacted positively on their economy.

According to him, he has been making more than thrice his normal sales on match days and a day before.

He said that apart from business, he has also been able to make friends with people from other parts of the country.

Another resident, who was at the stadium to watch the match live, Willie Etukudo, said that sporting activities had brought some warm aura and attraction to the city.

“We now look forward to weekends for one sporting activity or the other, especially, the Super Eagles matches.  The hotels are in business and our state and city are becoming more open to the world.  We are happy that our tourism value is appreciating”, he said.

Sports journalist, Michael Egbala told Tidesports that with Calabar hosting the Super Eagles, a window has been opened for the state and indeed the South-South region to show case themselves and improve their organizational savvy

The residents were unanimous in lauding the state governor, Senator Linel Imoke for attracting and sustaining national and international sporting events in the state.

They however, appealed that subsequent Eagles’ matches should be made affordable by reducing the gate fees, especially, for the popular stand.