By Solomon OKPO
Akwa United sustained their impressive Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign with a commanding 2–0 away victory over Rovers FC in Calabar, rising to the summit of the NNL Conference B table at the end of the first round of the season.
The Matchday 9 encounter,
played on Saturday at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, saw the Promise Keepers deliver a disciplined and clinical performance, with first-half heroics from defender Yannick Menegbe and a late second-half strike by midfielder Anietie Uko sealing their sixth win of the campaign and a second consecutive away triumph.
Head coach Paul Offor rang the changes, making four adjustments to the side that defeated Stormers SC in Uyo last week. Babatunde Omosebi and Paulinus Okon were handed starting roles, while assistant captain Etim Charles and Michael Okenwa returned to the starting lineup, a move that paid immediate dividends in terms of balance and control.
Akwa United broke the deadlock four minutes to halftime in emphatic fashion. After Churchill Nnanna’s free kick was deflected for a corner, Yannick Menegbe stepped up to curl a superb delivery that sailed over a crowded defence and nestled into the top corner, leaving the home side stunned.
Rovers FC responded with increased urgency after the interval, pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. However, their efforts were repeatedly neutralised by a resolute Akwa United defence that remained compact, organised and unyielding throughout the second half.
Offor reinforced his side midway through the half, introducing Harry Peter, Rasheed Qudus and Ubong Aniefiok for Paulinus Okon, Babatunde Omosebi and Daniel Gothom, injecting fresh energy and pace into the contest.
The decisive moment came late in the game as Akwa United transitioned swiftly from defence to attack. Harry Peter latched onto a long pass, surged into the penalty area and squared the ball for Anietie Uko, who applied a calm finish to put the result beyond doubt.
The victory sees Akwa United close the first round of the 2025/26 NNL season at the top of Conference B with 19 points from nine matches, two points clear of Sporting Lagos. The team will now head into a mid-season break lasting until the end of January.
Speaking after the match, head coach Paul Offor praised his players for their composure and resilience.
“I’m very happy with the effort and performance. It was a good display of determination and zeal that earned us the three points—kudos to the boys,” Offor said. “We need to continue to improve and keep our heads down. This is just the first round; the league is not over yet.
“The most satisfying aspect was the resilience we showed under difficult conditions against a Rovers side that had been unbeaten at home. To come here and win with a clean sheet shows the massive character in this team.”
Akwa United will resume league action in February, when they host Rovers FC in the reverse fixture in Uyo at the start of the second stanza of the season.
