Earlier at lunchtime on Monday, Ughelli Rovers Football Club ended their New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One (NLO) Division One 2025 Season on strong footing, clinching a thrilling 1-0 victory over rivals Delta Marines FC to wrap up with business in the Asaba Centre 1 of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Delta State.
The finale to the season, saw the sneaky left-back Ayoro Miracle deliver a moment of brilliance to take the lead for Ughelli Rovers with a stunning goal from a cross in the 28th minute, securing the win for the Eguono V’Owvian Boys and marking their second consecutive victory against Delta Marines in three competitive meetings so far.
The victory was particularly sweet for Ughelli Rovers, who had endured a challenging mid-season slump with consecutive losses, to finishing the campaign on a high note, stringing together back-to-back wins to restore confidence and momentum.
These, however, saw them suffer a surprising 1-0 defeat to arch-rivals Isoko United in the Oil City Derby and losing control in a 2-1 comeback win for the Warri-based OYC FC side barely four days apart.
Under the guidance of the return of ailing head coach Ekete Nyerovwo, the Ughelli-based outfit turned the table around to finish the campaign with two wins on a row, defeating Holy Arrows 2-1 and now seeing Delta Marines off in a one-nil triumph.
From the kick-off, the two teams tried finding their rhythm in the early stages. However, both sides couldn’t break the deadlock, thwarting every attempt by each other’s offensive line-ups to break through.
The first half ended with Ughelli Rovers leading 1-0, and despite with their efforts to increase the tally, the Delta Marines’ defense remained concentrated.
Employing a disciplined high-line approach at the back, the Eguono V’Owvian Boys locked down their opponents, ensuring no clear goal-scoring opportunities for Delta Marines, with captain and goalkeeper Efe Bartholomew delivering another commanding display to secure his second clean sheet for the season.
The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the Ughelli Rovers players and coaching staff, who celebrated a well-earned victory to close out the season.
This win builds on their previous success against Delta Marines, including a 1-0 victory in the Bet9ja Asaba Super Cup 2024 final, courtesy of a 17-year-old Udori Great lone strike.
The two sides had previously played out a 1-1 draw at the Kwale Township Stadium in the Delta Zone 2024 NLO season, making Ughelli Rovers’ current run of two straight wins a significant achievement in this budding rivalry.
Speaking with Platinum News after the match, Ughelli Rovers’ head coach Ekete Nyerovwo praised his team’s charisma, character and strength in reshaping the campaign with a consecutive league victories.
“This was a tough game, but the boys showed heart and quality. Ayoro’s goal was something special – a moment of magic that sums up what this team is capable of.
“To finish the season with two wins, especially after those tough losses, shows the spirit in this squad. The team worked hard, and this win is for our fans who’ve supported us all season,” he emphasized.
As the Eguono V’Owvian Boys head into the off-season, this victory provides a strong foundation for their ambitions next season.
Now that they return to basics, the Ughelli-based side have proven they can rise above adversity and deliver when it matters most, but also sets a positive tone as they aim to continue building on their progress despite its ups and downs, ended with a flourish.