Rovers Football Club of Calabar on Sunday escaped relegation from the 2020/2021 Nigeria National League (NNL), holding Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan to a goalless draw.

In their matchday 22 fixture at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, there were few goalscoring chances as both teams were cautious, ensuring that they did not concede a goal.

However, the second half of the game saw flashes of brilliance from the home team even though they failed to convert their chances.

In the game’s 74th minute, Rovers had a free kick a few metres away from their opponents’ penalty box. In the 79th minute, the Shooting Stars goalkeeper committed a blunder that almost cost his team when he misjudged a pullout into his penalty box.

But there was no player from the home team close enough to convert the opportunity.

Edith Agoye, the Shooting Stars’ Coach, said after the match, “I am very satisfied with my players’ performance, considering the fact that it took us almost two days to arrive in Calabar. We are happy to conclude the season in the first position without injuries. But the main aim is for the team to be promoted to the premier league.”

On his part, Samson Unuanel, Rovers’ coach, expressed satisfaction with the result.

“Three teams looked likely to go on relegation and, from our position in the last few weeks at the bottom of the table, we still came out of it unscathed. So, we need to commend our players. It was not easy,” said Mr Unuanel. “As for the next season, I have nothing to say now. All depends on the decision of the government of Cross River.”

(NAN)