Ughelli Rovers Football Club delivered a resilient performance under the blazing Asaba sun, clinching a crucial 2-1 win against Holy Arrows Football Club in Matchday 5 of the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One (NLO) Division One 2025 season. The victory at the Stephen Keshi Stadium marked Rovers’ second triumph over Holy Arrows, maintaining their perfect record against the Oleh-based side.
Coming off two consecutive defeats, the Eguono V’Owvian Boys displayed grit and determination to reignite their campaign. The game exploded into action in the 28th minute when star forward Osim Douglas broke the deadlock, outpacing the Holy Arrows defense to fire a low drive past the goalkeeper.
Despite dominating much of the match, Rovers were pegged back in the 89th minute when Holy Arrows capitalized on a foul by defender Buchi Samuel, converting a precise free-kick to level the score.
However, Douglas proved to be the hero once again in stoppage time. After a foul on striker Udori Great earned Rovers a penalty, the Cross River-born forward calmly slotted the ball into the far-right corner in the 94th minute to restore the lead.
Holy Arrows mounted a late offensive, nearly equalizing with a clinical strike that rattled the crossbar, but captain and goalkeeper Efe Bartholomew’s spectacular save ensured Rovers held firm. The victory was sealed with a display of defensive resolve and clinical finishing, with Douglas’ brace proving decisive.
Assistant Coach Davidson Otega praised the team’s heart in the post-match conference, singling out Douglas for his match-winning contribution. “Today was about fighting for every ball. Douglas showed his quality, but this was a team effort. These three points are vital for our momentum,” Otega remarked.
While the win keeps Rovers’ hopes alive for a strong finish, their chances of reaching the NLO Delta Zonal Playoffs were extinguished later that day following OYC FC’s 2-0 victory over Isoko United.
With one fixture remaining against Delta Marines, the Eguono V’Owvian Boys remain focused on ending the 2025 NLO campaign on a high note.
Ughelli Rovers FC extends gratitude to our loyal fans for their unwavering support and looks forward to carrying this momentum into our final match of the season.
