Akwa United continued their fine form in the Nigeria National League as they claimed a convincing 2-0 away victory over Rovers FC on Matchday 9 at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, on Saturday.
Goals from defender Yannick Menegbe in the first half and midfielder Anietie Uko late in the game secured the Promise Keepers’ sixth win of the season and their second consecutive away success.
Head coach Paul Offor made four changes to the side that defeated Stormers SC in Uyo last week, with Babatunde Omosebi and Paulinus Okon named in the starting line-up, while Etim Charles and Michael Okenwa also returned.
Akwa United took control of the contest and were rewarded four minutes before the break. After Churchill Nnanna’s free kick was deflected out for a corner, Yannick Menegbe produced a superb curling effort that sailed over a crowded defence and into the top corner to give the visitors the lead.
Rovers FC increased the pressure after the restart, searching for an equaliser, but Akwa United’s defence remained solid and well organised to repel every threat.
Offor freshened his side midway through the second half, introducing Harry Peter, Rasheed Qudus and Ubong Aniefiok in place of Paulinus Okon, Babatunde Omosebi and Daniel Gothom.
The visitors sealed the result late on after turning defence into attack. Harry Peter burst into the penalty area from a long pass before cutting the ball back for Anietie Uko, who finished calmly to make it 2-0.
The victory means Akwa United end the first round of the season top of the NNL Conference B table with 19 points from nine matches.
Speaking after the match, head coach Paul Offor praised his players for their character 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,” Offor said.
“We need to keep improving and stay focused because this is just the first round and the league is not over yet.
“The most satisfying part was the resilience we showed against a Rovers side that had been unbeaten at home. Winning here with a clean sheet shows the strong character in this team.”
Akwa United will now go on a mid-season break until the end of January before beginning the second stanza of the 2025/26 NNL season with a return fixture against Rovers FC in Uyo in February.
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