UYO, AKWA IBOM – Rovers FC suffered a narrow 1 – 0 defeat to Akwa United F.C. at the Uyo Township Stadium in a Week 10 clash of the Nigeria National League (NNL) B2 Southern Conference.
The Calabar-based side held their hosts for most of the encounter but conceded in the dying minutes, leaving them eighth on the table with 10 points from 10 matches.
Strong Defensive Display Undone Late
Rovers entered the fixture determined to secure a positive result away from home.
Coach Abdulahi Umar set his team up to remain compact and disciplined, frustrating Akwa United for long periods.
The visitors absorbed sustained pressure in the first half, closing spaces quickly and limiting clear scoring opportunities.
Their defensive line stayed organized, while the midfield worked tirelessly to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm.
In attack, Rovers relied on quick transitions and counterattacks. Though they created promising moments, the final ball often lacked precision.
As the match approached its closing stages, it appeared the visitors might escape Uyo with a valuable point.
However, a late lapse in concentration proved costly.
Aniebiet Sunday capitalized on the opportunity, scoring the only goal of the encounter in the dying minutes to hand Akwa United maximum points.
Umar: “We Need to Step Forward”
Speaking after the match, Rovers head coach Abdulahi Umar admitted the team must improve.
“We need to step forward.
That is the most important thing,” Umar said.
He acknowledged the effort of his players but stressed that results remain the ultimate measure of progress.
“There are areas we must improve, and we are working on them. Progress does not happen overnight, but we are building something solid,” he added.
Appreciation for Supporters
Despite the setback, Umar expressed gratitude to the club’s supporters, who have remained loyal throughout the campaign.
“Our supporters have always stood by us, through difficult and good moments. We appreciate their patience and belief in the team,” he said.
He urged fans to continue backing the team as they strive to climb the standings.
“They have seen the potential in this team. We will continue to work hard and improve in the coming months,” Umar assured.
Table Position Raises Concerns
With 10 points from 10 matches, Rovers remain in eighth position in the NNL B2 Southern Conference.
The result increases pressure on the Calabar side to secure positive outcomes in upcoming fixtures.
While the narrow margin of defeat reflects their competitive spirit, the inability to convert opportunities and maintain concentration until the final whistle continues to haunt the team.
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For Rovers FC, the focus now shifts to regrouping, tightening defensive lapses, and finding sharper attacking solutions.
As the season progresses, consistency will determine whether they can move away from the lower half of the table and re-enter contention.
Truth live news reports that the defeat in Uyo serves as both a warning and a motivation, a reminder that in the Nigeria National League, every minute counts.
