CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The management of Rovers Football Club of Calabar has dissolved the club’s technical crew with immediate effect following a series of disappointing performances that have deepened concerns over the team’s promotion ambitions.
The decision, announced in an official statement signed by the Rovers Management Committee in Calabar, was taken after what the club described as unsatisfactory outings in recent matches across the ongoing league campaign.
According to the statement, the dissolution was part of a broader restructuring process aimed at restoring effectiveness within the team and improving performance levels ahead of subsequent fixtures this season.
Rovers management explained that a new technical structure has already been devised and would be implemented immediately to address tactical weaknesses and leadership gaps identified during recent matches.
While acknowledging that such changes could be uncomfortable, the management committee noted that difficult decisions were necessary to reposition the club for better results and renewed competitiveness.
“For Rovers FC, restructuring the technical crew will help arrest the team’s decline, restore player confidence, and give fans renewed hope for improved results,” the statement partly read.
The committee further reaffirmed the club’s commitment to its long-term objective of securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier League, insisting that recent setbacks would not derail that ambition.
The announcement followed growing pressure from stakeholders, including government officials and supporters, after Rovers suffered a damaging home defeat that intensified scrutiny of the team’s preparedness.
Speaking shortly after the match, the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Mr. Etta Lawrence confirmed that the technical crew had earlier been placed on a performance ultimatum.
“It is not my place to respond to this particular match immediately,” Lawrence said, according to Truth Live News correspondents in Calabar, urging journalists to first engage directly with team management.
He explained that a three-match ultimatum had been issued to the technical crew in Asana, adding that the home loss represented the first strike under that directive.
“They have now lost their first match at home, which means they have two matches left,” Lawrence stated, admitting he was not in the right frame of mind to make extensive comments.
The Sports Commission chairman emphasized that the ultimatum was real and not a symbolic warning, stressing that the public deserved clarity on the seriousness of the decision.
“For the record, a three-match ultimatum has indeed been given. The information is important,” he said, describing the atmosphere as tense and emotionally charged.
During an interview session, Lawrence formally introduced himself as Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission before addressing broader issues surrounding Rovers’ performance trajectory.
Reacting to the home defeat, he acknowledged it was the club’s first loss at home but insisted that results alone did not reflect deeper problems affecting the team.
“Honestly, I do not think Rovers are truly prepared for promotion. The government is prepared, but the team is not,” Lawrence said, expressing disappointment with overall performances.
He noted that the Cross River State Government had provided substantial support, arguing that inadequate preparation could not be blamed on lack of funding or political will.
According to Lawrence, Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu significantly increased the club’s monthly subvention from ₦5 million to ₦20 million upon assuming office.
“I do not think there is anything more a governor can reasonably do,” he said, adding that improved results would only encourage further investment in the club.
He stressed that the government expected accountability, noting that Rovers remained a publicly funded team whose performances reflected directly on the state.
“The eyes of the government and indeed the public are on them,” Lawrence said, warning that continued underperformance would attract serious consequences.
Explaining his leadership approach, the chairman said his appointment was not ceremonial, emphasizing that he was mandated to take difficult decisions where necessary.
“My appointment is not for me to sit comfortably and smile with everyone. We were sent here to work,” he declared.
Lawrence revealed that the ultimatum followed reports of internal disunity within the team, which he said had affected cohesion and on-field execution.
“That ultimatum was not a joke. We expect immediate improvement,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
He further explained that performance evaluation extended beyond match results, pointing to a lack of visible prospects in Rovers’ style of play.
“Sometimes you see prospects in the way a team plays. I have not seen any prospects yet,” he stated.
The Sports Commission chairman warned that continued poor performances could prompt recommendations against further public spending on the current management structure.
“I will not advise the government to continue spending public funds on a management that is not making the state proud,” Lawrence said.
Meanwhile, attention has also turned to the impact of Rovers’ struggles on the league standings, particularly after their defeat boosted the campaign of Akwa United.
Reacting to the same fixture, Akwa United officials praised their technical crew and players for executing a disciplined game plan that secured a crucial away victory.
“The victory is well deserved,” a team representative said, giving credit to head coach and the players for their commitment and tactical discipline.
With the result, Akwa United moved to the top of the table, strengthening their push for promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Looking ahead, Akwa United management reiterated that their mandate from the Akwa Ibom State Government remained clear and non-negotiable.
“Our mandate is to ensure promotion to the NPFL, and that mandate is the driving force behind our work,” the official said.
As Rovers begin the process of rebuilding their technical department, stakeholders say the coming weeks will determine whether structural changes can translate into improved performances.
For now, the dissolution of the technical crew marks a decisive turning point, reflecting growing intolerance for mediocrity within publicly funded football institutions in the region.
