The name Rovers FC also called Calabar Rovers is a name that is not unfamiliar in the terrain of Nigeria club Football. It is one name I have grown to hear and know even though not in the top flight, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
The team from Cross River State, Calabar precisely have continued to remain in the scheme of things over the years. They have had a way of being my eyes, ears. Simply put, I have grown to have a soft spot for the club that with the start of each season, I wish them to be at the top echelon.
Expectedly, there is joy from within with the recent performance of the team this season in the Nigeria National League, NNL. Three wins out of four, a draw and no loss. One of the five teams that are unbeaten and top of the Southern Conference group B1, I have butterflies in my belly.
It has been a fine run so far for Rovers as they started with a slim win in their first installment this NNL season getting a 2-1 win over Henserd FC of Bayelsa courtesy of goals from Junior Osaghae and Olawale Isiaka.
The second engagement of the season was as good as the first as it was Terry Igiebor's late strike in the match that earned all the points for Rovers as they triumphed over Go Round FC of Rivers.
Next was a derby of some sort against One Rocket FC which ended in a goalless draw in Eket, a testament to the cagey nature of the fixture. A result I saw as a way of balancing things; if you don't win, make sure you don't lose.
On Saturday, at the UJ Esuene Stadium Warri Wolves of Delta State were the next for the slaughter as Ibrahim Jamilu and Utibe Archibong made sure the three points was Rovers' through their goals in the first half of the game.
That win consolidated their spot at the top of the league standings (10 points) with a five points lead ahead of next opponents, Vandrezzer FC in Eket on Saturday.
A good result on Saturday, will further confirm the desire for greater things this season. Will Rovers make the cut for a super six that will eventually lead to their making it into the Nigeria Premier Football League next season?
Time will answer that question, but now I just want to bask in the euphoria and believe the team is poised to make the people of Calabar proud and put them back in the highest tier of the Nigerian club football.
By Uche Dozie