The Calabar Rovers Football Club has defeated Osun United to secure three points in its first away win since the commencement of 2020/2021 Nigeria National League season.
The matchday 8 victory at the Ilorin Township Stadium, Kwara State, according to the chairman of the club Ejen Evan, could rightly be described as “a pyrrhic one, because both teams put up a dogged fight”.
Thirty-eight minutes into the first half, Coach Samson Unuanel injected fresh blood to bolster Rovers’ central midfield by bringing in Daniel Josiah for Akpor Simon.
The impact of the substitution was felt in the 44th minute when Daniel Ilevbare’s header outpaced Akilapa Olusola, only to end in the hands of Arinze Okoro – another close call for the away team.
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Rovers came smoking and hot in the early minutes of the second half, creating two chances, but were constantly kept under check by United’s attacking and defensive midfielders
Just when both teams were about settling for a draw, Ilevbare, who had been menacing United’s backline, finally solved the goal puzzle in the 87th minute, by dribbling his way into the penalty area and strike
the ball into the net.
Rovers FC has secured 11 points from seven matches played so far. The team has one outstanding match against Ekiti United and except date is fixed for the outstanding game, Rovers next encounter will be against Giant Brillars FC on Saturday, March 27 at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
