From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Rovers Football Club of Calabar has unveiled Tosan Bob Blankson as its new Technical Adviser and Lawrence Ita as Chief Coach, as the club sets its sights on promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
In a statement issued to sports journalists in Calabar, the club’s Media Manager, Ettah Emmanuel, said the unveiling took place at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, signalling the beginning of a new chapter for the historic Nigerian football club as it prepares for the new season.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders in the Cross River State sports sector, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Ntufam Ekanem Ekpenyong, who represented the Governor of Cross River State.
Also present were the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Mr Lawrence Etta; Chairman of Rovers FC, Chief Etim Okon; members of the club’s management, technical crew and staff; as well as supporters’ club members.
The unveiling comes at a significant period in the club’s development, with Rovers FC preparing for another competitive campaign and seeking to strengthen its squad, tactical structure and overall football philosophy.
The new technical team has been entrusted with the responsibility of building a disciplined, competitive and ambitious side capable of competing strongly in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and ultimately securing promotion to Nigeria’s top-flight football division.
Addressing the new coaching crew, the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Mr Lawrence Etta, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Ntufam Ekanem Ekpenyong, charged the coaches to remain committed, hardworking and proactive in carrying out their responsibilities.
They emphasised the importance of player development, building a strong team culture and ensuring that Rovers FC competes with the determination required to achieve its promotion target.
The message from the Cross River State sports leadership was clear: Rovers FC must work towards returning to the NPFL.
Blankson Returns to Rovers FC
The appointment of Tosan Bob Blankson carries added historical significance.
Blankson is not new to Rovers FC or the city of Calabar. Before establishing himself as a respected coach, he was a professional footballer who represented Rovers FC in 1994.
His return more than three decades later represents a remarkable journey—from wearing the Rovers colours as a player to returning as the club’s Technical Adviser.
It is a homecoming built on experience, history and a renewed responsibility to the club.
Blankson brings more than two decades of football experience as both a player and coach.
He holds a CAF B Coaching Licence, obtained in 2017, as well as a CAF C Licence and a CAF preliminary coaching qualification. He also possesses an Advanced Certificate in Football Coaching from the National Institute for Sports, Lagos.
His coaching career has taken him through several prominent Nigerian football institutions, including Rivers Angels, Delta Queens, Warri Wolves, Delta Force, Apex Krane and Delta State University.
His record includes several notable achievements:
2025 Nigerian Women’s President Federation Cup with Rivers Angels
2024 Delta State FA Cup with Delta Queens
2023 NWFL Super Six Championship with Delta Queens, achieved unbeaten
2022 Sheroes Cup with Delta Queens
Multiple Delta State FA Cup victories
2019 promotion of Apex Krane FC to the NNL
Zenith Principal’s Cup victories with Obule Integrated School and Mastercare International School
Recognition as NWFL Best Coach in 2023
His experience spans team building, tactical organisation, player development, motivation and the management of competitive league and cup campaigns.
Lawrence Ita Takes Charge as Chief Coach
Lawrence Ita has also been unveiled as the club’s Chief Coach, forming part of the technical leadership expected to translate Rovers FC’s ambitions into results on the pitch.
The combination of experience, local knowledge, player development and tactical organisation is expected to provide the foundation for the club’s campaign.
Rovers FC management believes the technical team has the capacity to build a side that will not only compete strongly but also embody the ambition, discipline and identity associated with the club.
The mandate handed to the new technical team is clear: compete strongly, develop the team and fight for promotion to the NPFL.
For supporters of the Calabar club, the appointments represent more than a change in the coaching structure.
They provide an opportunity to reconnect the club’s proud history with a new generation of players and supporters.
With a former Rovers player now returning to lead the technical department, expectations are high that the new era can deliver renewed energy and competitive success.
As preparations intensify, attention will now turn to the training ground and the pitch.
The challenge has been set. The target has been identified. Rovers FC wants to return to the top flight, and the journey begins with the new technical team unveiled at the U.J. Esuene Stadium.
Rovers FC of Calabar is one of Nigeria’s historic football clubs, with a longstanding connection to Cross River State and the development of football talent in the region.
The club continues to represent Calabar in Nigeria’s competitive football landscape and is working towards building a stronger and more successful future.
