Finidi George takes managerial reins at Rivers United
Former Super Eagles coach Finidi George has swiftly transitioned to a new managerial role at Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Rivers United, just three weeks after resigning as head coach of Nigeria’s men’s senior national team. The appointment, announced on Wednesday, includes an unveiling ceremony set for Thursday.
“Rivers United Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Finidi George as our new Technical Manager,” the club stated, highlighting Finidi’s extensive experience and notable achievements.
Finidi George, renowned for his illustrious playing career spanning over fifteen years, brings significant expertise to the team. His accolades include winning the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles in 1994, the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995, and the NPFL title with Enyimba International FC in 2023.
The club’s statement continued, “As a coach, Finidi has demonstrated his ability to lead teams to success, and we are confident that he will bring his expertise and passion to our club. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to a successful tenure under his leadership.”
Finidi’s resignation as Super Eagles head coach in June followed a brief tenure marred by poor performances in two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic. These results prompted the Nigeria Football Federation to seek a foreign technical adviser for the team.
Before his stint with the Super Eagles, Finidi spent two full seasons and nearly completed a third with Enyimba, leading them to their record-ninth NPFL title in 2023. At Rivers United, he succeeds head coach Evans Ogenyi, who led the club to the end of last season after the dismissal of the long-serving Stanley Eguma.
A Port Harcourt native, the 53-year-old Finidi George began his career with local clubs such as Calabar Rovers and Iwanyanwu Nationale. He also played for Sharks FC, a team that was merged with Dolphins to form Rivers United in 2016, before embarking on a successful European career.
The appointment of Finidi George is seen as a significant move for Rivers United, as they aim to leverage his extensive experience and tactical acumen to achieve further success in the NPFL.
