Revival-Seeking Rovers FC Appoint Umar Abdullahi as New Technical Adviser
Rovers Football Club of Calabar have appointed Coach Umar Abdullahi as their new Technical Adviser as the club steps up efforts to revive its campaign in the ongoing 2025/26 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
Coach Abdullahi was officially unveiled at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, in a ceremony attended by the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Hon. Lawrence Etta, Rovers FC Chairman, Chief Etim Okon, members of the club’s management, and officials of the technical department.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Etta welcomed the new Technical Adviser to Cross River State and expressed strong belief in his ability to steady the team. He urged Abdullahi to draw from his experience as the league enters a decisive phase, while emphasising the importance of discipline, focus and clear leadership in achieving better results in the second half of the season.
Chief Okon described the appointment as a calculated decision aimed at restoring Rovers FC’s fighting spirit and competitiveness. He said the club has handed full technical responsibility to Coach Abdullahi, tasking him with rebuilding the squad and rekindling the values that once defined the Calabar-based side. The Rovers chairman also appreciated the efforts of the outgoing technical crew, noting that the club’s ambition for progress made a change necessary.
In his remarks, Coach Abdullahi thanked the Cross River State Sports Commission, the club’s board and management for the trust placed in him. He said taking charge of Rovers FC was a privilege and promised to work tirelessly to turn the team’s fortunes around.
“I see this as a big responsibility, and I am fully committed to helping Rovers FC regain its pride and status in Nigerian football,” he said.
The unveiling attracted a large turnout of supporters, who welcomed the new Technical Adviser with optimism. Many fans expressed hope that the appointment would spark a turnaround and drive the club towards a strong finish to the NNL season.
Rovers FC are now banking on Abdullahi’s leadership and technical direction to guide the team through the remainder of the campaign and lay the foundation for a brighter future.
