Akwa United continued their impressive run in the Nigeria National League (NNL) with a commanding 2–0 away victory over Rovers FC on Matchday 9 at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, on Saturday.
First-half heroics from defender Yannick Menegbe and a late second-half finish by midfielder Anietie Uko sealed the Promise Keepers’ sixth win of the season and their second consecutive away triumph.
Head coach Paul Offor made four changes to the side that defeated Stormers SC in Uyo last week, handing starting berths to Babatunde Omosebi and Paulinus Okon, while assistant captain Etim Charles and Michael Okenwa also returned to the starting lineup.
Akwa United broke the deadlock four minutes to halftime. After Churchill Nnanna’s free kick was deflected out for a corner, Yannick Menegbe delivered a curling effort that sailed over a crowded defence and into the top corner of the net to give the visitors a deserved 1–0 lead.
Rovers FC raised the tempo in the second half in search of an equaliser, but their efforts were consistently repelled by a disciplined and well-organised Akwa United backline.
Coach Offor introduced fresh legs midway through the half, bringing on Harry Peter, Rasheed Qudus and Ubong Aniefiok in place of Paulinus Okon, Babatunde Omosebi and Daniel Gothom.
With time running out, Akwa United turned defence into attack. Harry Peter received a long pass, burst into the box and cut the ball back for Anietie Uko, who finished calmly to put the game beyond the reach of the hosts.
ason at the top of the NNL Conference B table with 19 points from nine matches. The team will now proceed on a mid-season break until the end of January.
Reacting after the match, head coach Paul Offor praised his players for their resilience and commitment.
“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.
“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 begin the second stanza of the 2025/26 NNL season with a return fixture against Rovers FC in Uyo in February.
