FIRS Hosts CRIRS in Historic Customer Service Week Novelty Match

 

By Kingsley Agim and Achiane Adams

In a show of camaraderie, teamwork, and inter-agency friendship, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Wednesday hosted the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) to a novelty football match as part of activities marking its 2025 Customer Service Week, themed “Mission: Possible.”

The historic encounter, which kicked off at 4:00 p.m. on the Eastern Secondary School Football Field in Calabar, marked the first-ever friendly game between the two tax institutions. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as staff of both agencies, supporters, and community members turned out to cheer their teams in what became an unforgettable sporting experience.

The FIRS team showed early intent, taking the lead just three minutes into the first half after Johnson Aboyi confidently converted a penalty kick. But the resilient CRIRS squad fought back with determination, and in the 27th minute of the second half, Oviong Kingsley netted a sublime equalizer that brought the scoreline to 1–1, sending the crowd into wild jubilation.

The match, officiated by Referee Isaacs Aniah and assisted by Linesmen Bassey Harry and Innocent Eteng, was played in an atmosphere of fairness and fun, embodying the spirit of the weeklong celebration focused on teamwork, service excellence, and human connection.

Speaking to journalists after the game, the Executive Chairman of CRIRS, Prince Edwin Okon, represented by the Director of Administration, Mr. Uket Bassey, appreciated the FIRS management for hosting the memorable event and reaffirmed CRIRS’s readiness for a return match.

“We thank the FIRS for this initiative and for fostering a spirit of friendship between our two agencies. This game has demonstrated competence, collaboration, and unity of purpose. We have already told our team to prepare for a return match soon, and we look forward to another great encounter. As we all return home, may the Lord be with us,” he said.

In his remarks, the State Monitor of FIRS, Mr. Joseph Ohiemi, conveyed the goodwill message of the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, commending both teams for their sportsmanship and unity.

“On behalf of the Executive Chairman of FIRS, I extend warm congratulations to the Executive Chairman, management, and staff of the Cross River Internal Revenue Service. It was a beautiful game, and we thank God for a successful outing. This match has shown that we are fit and united, and we’ll continue to train harder for even better games ahead. Congratulations to both FIRS and CRIRS teams; the mission is indeed possible.”

The novelty match, beyond its competitive excitement, symbolized a new era of partnership between the Federal and State revenue services, underscoring the shared commitment to teamwork, excellence, and the pursuit of national fiscal growth under the spirit of “Mission: Possible.”