Finidi George Appointed New Coach of Rivers United

Former Super Eagles coach Finidi George is set to return to the Nigerian Professional Football League NPFL as the head coach of Rivers United. According to reliable sources, Finidi recently met with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to discuss his appointment and will soon be officially presented as the head coach of the Port Harcourt based team.

The long serving coach of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma, was dismissed during the past season, and Evans Ogenyi took over the team’s leadership for the remainder of the campaign. Finidi George, a former Ajax winger, previously led Enyimba to an NPFL championship before being appointed as the Super Eagles coach in May. He stepped down from his role with the Super Eagles after the Nigeria Football Federation NFF decided to appoint a foreign coach following a 1-1 home draw with South Africa and a surprising loss to Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Editorial

Finidi George’s appointment as the new head coach of Rivers United marks a significant development for the club. Known for his tactical acumen and leadership skills, Finidi brings a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching careers. His previous success with Enyimba, where he led the team to an NPFL championship, underscores his capability to manage and inspire teams at the highest level of Nigerian football.

Rivers United, under Finidi’s guidance, is poised for a fresh start and renewed vigour. The decision to bring in a coach of Finidi’s stature reflects the club’s ambition to achieve greater success and competitiveness in the NPFL. His understanding of the local football landscape, combined with his international exposure, is expected to be a significant asset for the team.

Finidi’s departure from the Super Eagles was marked by controversy, primarily due to the NFF’s decision to bring in a foreign coach. This move, however, opens a new chapter for him to demonstrate his coaching prowess at the club level. Rivers United stands to benefit from his expertise, especially as they aim to rebuild and reposition themselves as formidable contenders in the league.

As Finidi prepares to take on this new challenge, the football community will be keenly watching his strategies and the impact he will have on Rivers United. His ability to motivate players and implement effective game plans will be crucial in the team’s quest for success. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Rivers United fans, with high expectations riding on Finidi George’s leadership.

Did You Know?

1. Finidi George had a distinguished playing career, featuring prominently for Ajax, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 1995.
2. He also played for Real Betis in Spain and Ipswich Town in England.
3. Finidi was part of the Nigerian national team that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and represented Nigeria in two World Cups 1994 and 1998.
4. His coaching career began with Enyimba, where he quickly made a name for himself by leading the team to an NPFL title.
5. Rivers United was formed in 2016 from the merger of Dolphins FC and Sharks FC and has since been striving to establish itself as a dominant force in Nigerian football.