NIGERIA, CALABAR – Rovers Football Club, Calabar, on Tuesday unveiled Abdullahi Umar as its new Technical Coach, marking a decisive technical shift aimed at reversing poor performances and restoring the club’s competitive standing.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, attracted sports administrators, club officials, and journalists, underscoring the strategic importance attached to the coaching change.
Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Etta Lawrence, said the decision aligned with institutional continuity, stressing that reforms must strengthen existing systems rather than dismantle long-term investments.
“Networking is a manifestation of continuity,” Lawrence said, explaining that it took years to build sports structures and that it would be counterproductive to destroy what had already been established.
He said the state government remained committed to completing the indoor sports complex within the stadium, describing it as a multipurpose facility capable of hosting international tournaments and stimulating athlete development.
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Lawrence disclosed that a Canada-based consultant visited Calabar the previous week to assess the complex, noting that additional facilities not currently available in the state would be introduced.
According to him, the new facilities would motivate athletes, attract sports agents, and even inspire sports writers to engage more actively with competitions and athlete development.
Results, Not Sentiment, Drive Coaching Appointment
Lawrence emphasized that the appointment of Abdullahi Umar was not ceremonial, making it clear that the club was no longer interested in technical personnel without measurable outcomes.
“We are not looking for people to come and hang around as coaches,” Lawrence said, stressing that results were the sole reason Umar was appointed.
He stated that the only factor that would distinguish Umar from previous coaches was performance, particularly results capable of returning Rovers FC to Nigeria’s elite league.
Lawrence described Rovers as a household name in Nigerian football, noting that the club had produced several national and international players over the years.
He added that Governor’s passion for sports influenced the administration’s insistence on discipline, accountability, and results, recalling that the governor played football during his youth.
Okon: New Coach Marks a New Phase for Rovers
Chairman of Rovers Football Club, Etim E. Okon, said the unveiling of a new technical coach marked a new phase for both the club and football development in Calabar.
Okon explained that the decision followed a critical review of the club’s structure after the underperformance of the previous technical crew and playing squad.
He said Rovers’ size and history made it difficult to operate under conventional management approaches, necessitating a separate system to ensure effective control and accountability.
According to Okon, the club’s achievements and legacy had already made its voice heard, but sustaining relevance required deliberate structural and technical reforms.
Welfare, Funding, and Performance Expectations
Okon disclosed that the club currently manages about ₦20 million monthly to cater for approximately 36 players, describing the amount as just enough to cover basic welfare needs.
He said while the funds could take care of the players, improved performance, discipline, and long-term stability would require increased financial support.
Okon appealed for more funding, stressing that modern football had become capital intensive and that sustained investment was critical to achieving promotion ambitions.
He explained that the management inherited an “empty house” but had since rebuilt welfare systems, ensuring steady rations, technical support, and structured daily feeding in camp.
According to him, careful planning now guides how players are fed and maintained daily, noting that welfare directly influences morale and on-field output.
Performance as the Ultimate Measure
Okon stressed that performance remained the club’s primary focus, saying matches without excitement or competitiveness were unacceptable.
“If I watch a match and there is nothing to write home about, it does not attract me,” he said, recalling the era when Rovers’ style energized fans and inspired pride.
He noted that players must approach their roles with happiness and commitment, explaining that positive energy translated into better results.
Reflecting on recent weeks, Okon said he had begun to notice improvements, attributing them to deliberate efforts and renewed seriousness within the club.
He urged the media to engage constructively, encouraging journalists to investigate issues, ask questions, and avoid reporting only positive narratives.
“Don’t just say good things about me,” Okon said, pointing to records spanning 25 years and urging deeper examination of youth development outcomes.
Umar Outlines Team-First Technical Philosophy
New Technical Coach Abdullahi Umar said his approach would prioritize teamwork, discipline, and early intervention in addressing technical or psychological issues.
Umar explained that the technical crew initially addressed challenges by integrating players gradually but said the team had now reached a stage of full cohesion.
“There is no distinction among players,” Umar said, adding that unity and collective responsibility now defined training sessions.
He stressed that he does not work alone, noting that collaboration with management remained central to his philosophy.
According to Umar, results would follow once internal processes were properly established, urging patience as the rebuilding phase continues.
Cross River Intensifies Preparation for Niger Delta Games in Edo
Truth live news reports that beyond football, the Cross River State Sports Commission has intensified preparations for the Niger Delta Games scheduled to hold in Edo State, mobilizing athletes across all local government areas.
Lawrence confirmed that over 1,200 athletes are currently camped at the U.J. Esuene Stadium for trials, describing the turnout as unprecedented in the state.
He said the trials would end on Friday, after which 283 athletes would be selected, alongside officials, to form a contingent of about 320 representatives.
For the first time in the state’s history, Lawrence said athletes selected for the Niger Delta Games would be accommodated in hotels to enhance discipline and focus.
He acknowledged logistical challenges, revealing that nutrition was prioritized, including the purchase of livestock to ensure adequate protein intake.
“When you motivate athletes psychologically and physically, they give you results,” Lawrence said, stressing that welfare remained central to performance.
As Rovers FC enters a new technical era under Abdullahi Umar and Cross River intensifies preparations for the Niger Delta Games in Edo, officials insist that discipline, structure, and results will define success.
