Tosan Blankson, former head coach of Delta Queens and Rivers Angels, has been appointed as the new head coach of Calabar Rovers ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season. The Canaan City-based club secured its return to the NNL by acquiring the league slot from OYC FC, Warri, which earned promotion after winning the 2026 Nationwide League One play-off for the South-South zone. Calabar Rovers were relegated to the Nationwide League One at the end of the 2025/2026 NNL campaign but quickly acted to reclaim their top-tier status through this strategic acquisition.
Blankson, a former defender for Rangers and Heartland, confirmed his move to Calabar Rovers in an interview with Completesports.com. “I’m now with Calabar Rovers,” he stated on Wednesday, adding, “You know I left Rivers Angels before now. So, right now, I’m with Calabar Rovers FC.” His appointment marks a fresh chapter in his coaching career, following his departure from Rivers Angels, where he built a strong reputation for developing talent and improving team performance.
The former Nigerian international has already begun preparations for the upcoming season, having relocated to Calabar. “I’m in Calabar now. We’ve started screening for players as the first stage of our preparation for the new season,” Blankson revealed on Tuesday. His early involvement signals a focused effort to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for promotion in the highly contested NNL.
The 2026/2027 NNL season is set to kick off on Saturday, 31 October 2026, following the official ratification of the date during the league’s Annual General Meeting held in Owerri. The competition will feature clubs divided into four conferences: Southern Conference A, Southern Conference B, Northern Conference A, and Northern Conference B. This structure aims to enhance competitiveness and ensure fair regional representation across the country.
At the conclusion of the season, the champions of each of the four conferences will earn automatic promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the top tier of Nigerian football. With Blankson’s experience and tactical knowledge, Calabar Rovers aim to make a strong impact and secure one of those coveted promotion spots. His leadership could be pivotal in guiding the team back to the NPFL after their relegation last season.
As the countdown to the new campaign begins, fans and stakeholders are watching closely to see how Blankson shapes the squad and builds momentum. His arrival brings renewed hope for Calabar Rovers as they prepare to compete in what promises to be a fiercely contested NNL season.
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