Christian Okonkwo, Technical Adviser of Calabar Rovers, has exclusively told CompleteSports.com that the ‘Canaan City Boys’ victory in the 2025 Dan Anyiam Cup Tournament is a clear testament to their readiness for the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
Calabar Rovers edged hosts Heartland 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at full time inside the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Wednesday.
The match formed part of both teams’ pre-season fixtures ahead of the new NNL campaign, which kicks off next weekend. Heartland will compete in Group A, while Calabar Rovers are drawn in Group B alongside Solution FC, Osun United, Ekiti United, Dakkada FC, Sporting FC, First Bank FC and Stormers FC, among others.
Calabar Rovers’ Victory Boosts Players’ Confidence
Coach Okonkwo, a former Kwara United striker known during his playing days as “De Bull”, said the victory in Owerri has greatly boosted his players’ confidence ahead of the new campaign.
Also Read: NNL: Calabar Rovers Appoint Okonkwo As Head Coach
“It was a good performance by the players against a strong side like Heartland,” Okonkwo said. “It shows that we’re prepared and ready for the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League, which kicks off on November 15.”
Calabar Rovers will host Abakaliki FC in their opening fixture at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
Calabar Rovers Enjoy Government Support
The Calabar Rovers boss further revealed that the team enjoys strong backing from the Cross River State Government, being directly under the office of the governor.
“The club is directly under the office of the governor. The management, headed by Etim Okon, is fantastic, and I’m happy with the opportunity to work with him,” he said.
Rovers Coach Celebrates First Trophy
Okonkwo expressed delight at winning the Dan Anyiam Cup, describing it as a positive sign in his coaching career.
“It is my first cup with the team, and I’m sure it’s a sign of better things to come,” he enthused.
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The former striker is taking charge of a team for the first time as head coach, following a two-season spell with Solution FC, Awka, where he served under five different managers — Felix Aguguom, the late Uche Okagbue, Anthony Encho, Emmanuel Deutsch (both Cameroonians) and Gabriel Ezema, now Assistant Coach of the Flying Eagles.
Canaan City Boys’ Pre-Season Preparations Continue
Before facing Heartland, Calabar Rovers played Akwa United, Akpabio United, Dakkada FC, and Peace Sports Football Academy in pre-season friendlies.
“After the Heartland match, we travelled to Aba where we played Abia Comets FC on Thursday, 6 November 2025, in another tune-up game. It ended goalless,” Okonkwo concluded.
By Sab Osuji
