Emex Henshaw
Rovers Football Club of Cross River began their quest to gain promotion into the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a victory over Henserd FC of Bayelsa in their Nigeria National League (NNL) opener.
Rovers defeated Henserd 2-1 at the UJ Esuene Stadium on Wednesday.
The first half saw few chances, with the away side dominating most of the game.
The first goal of the game came 10 minutes into the second half, when Rovers were punished for a lack of concentration at the back, allowing Henserd to head the ball into the back of the net.
Rovers fought back and were eventually back in the game after an impressive cross from Captain Ekom was nodded into the back by Junior Osaghae in the 70th minute.
The home side continued to pile the pressure on Henserd and eventually got a penalty when Uchenna was fouled in the box.
Isiaka Olawale stepped up to coolly dispatch the penalty into the back of the net to secure all three points for the Calabar-based side.
