Calabar Rovers turn to Blackson to drive NNL revival

Posted : 02 September 2026

Calabar Rovers have turned to experienced Nigerian coach Tosan Blackson as their new Technical Advisor, with the club seeking to rebuild its fortunes and mount a stronger challenge in the Nigerian National League (NNL).

Blackson, a former head coach of Delta Queens and Rivers Angels, brings considerable experience to the Calabar-based side as they prepare for the new NNL season following a turbulent period that saw the club drop to the Nationwide League One before securing a return to the second tier.

The appointment is regarded as a major part of the club’s efforts to restore stability and lay the foundation for a sustained push for promotion.

Blackson has a proven record of success in the domestic women’s game, having guided Delta Queens to the 2022 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) title. His experience in team building, tactical organisation, and player development is expected to prove valuable as Calabar Rovers seek to rediscover their competitive edge.

The club secured its return to the NNL after acquiring the slot of OYC Football Academy of Delta State, providing a fresh opportunity to rebuild and compete for a place among Nigeria’s elite clubs.

For Blackson, the challenge will be to transform that opportunity into a sustainable football project capable of challenging for honours.

“Calabar Rovers is a club with a great history, and I am honoured to be part of its next chapter,” Blackson said during his unveiling.

“My focus is on building a team that plays with heart, discipline, and purpose. We’re here to compete and bring pride to our fans.”

The former Delta Queens coach, who holds a CAF B Licence, is expected to play a key role in shaping the club’s technical direction while helping to develop a disciplined and cohesive squad ahead of the new campaign.

Calabar Rovers’ recent struggles have tested the resolve of the club and its supporters, but Blackson’s arrival offers renewed optimism that the team can put those difficulties behind them.

With the NNL campaign approaching, the club will hope that the experience and tactical expertise of its new Technical Adviser can provide the spark needed to restore its fortunes and begin another push towards the upper reaches of Nigerian football.

Calabar Rovers turn to Blackson to drive NNL revival

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