Finidi George named new Rivers United coach
Former Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has been named the new manager of Nigerian Premier Football League club, Rivers United.
The announcement was made by the club in a statement shared on its X account on Wednesday.
Rivers United highlighted Finidi’s extensive experience and expertise, noting his distinguished 15-year playing career.
His notable achievements include winning the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles in 1994, the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995, and the Nigeria Premier Football League with Enyimba International FC in 2023.
The official unveiling of Finidi is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Sharks Stadium, beginning at 2 pm.
“Rivers United Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Finidi George as our new Technical Manager. Finidi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, having had a distinguished playing career spanning over fifteen years.
“His impressive credentials include winning the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles in 1994, the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995, and the Nigeria Premier Football League with Enyimba International FC in 2023,” read the statement.
General Manager of Rivers United FC, Dr. Okey Kpalukwu, welcomed Finidi George, expressing, “We are delighted to have Finidi George join our team. His appointment marks a new chapter in our club’s history, and we are committed to working together to achieve success.”
Finidi George expressed his appreciation, stating, “I am honored to have this opportunity, and I thank the Sports Commissioner, the General Manager, and the supporters for their confidence in me. I am committed to working hard and making the team win.”
The statement continued, “Please join us in welcoming Finidi George to Rivers United FC. We look forward to a successful season ahead. The official unveiling of Coach Finidi George will be held on Thursday, 4th July 2024 at the Sharks Stadium. The event is scheduled to begin at 2pm.”
The appointment marks a return for the Rivers-born tactician, who is set to be unveiled as a new coach in the NPFL on Thursday.
Finidi, 53, departed from his role as Nigeria’s coach just a month after his appointment, following a disappointing start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
His tenure with the Super Eagles included a draw against South Africa and a surprising defeat to Benin Republic, jeopardizing Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
He had taken over the national team in May, replacing Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, but his stint was cut short as the Nigerian Football Federation sought a foreign manager to serve as technical adviser.
Now, the former star of Ajax and Real Betis returns to the domestic scene, with Rivers United preparing to welcome him as their new head coach.
Finidi had previously enjoyed a successful three-year tenure managing Enyimba, the dethroned NPFL champions, before assuming the national team role.
His return to Rivers United is anticipated to be a positive move for the club’s supporters, who are eager to rebound from a challenging season under the previous manager, Stanley Eguma.
