Rivers United Appoint Yemi Olanrewaju as New Chief Coach
Rivers United have announced the appointment of Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju, also known as Yema, as the club’s new Chief Coach ahead of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
Olanrewaju takes over from Evans Ogenyi, whose contract expired at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
The former Enyimba manager will now reunite with Finidi George, Rivers United’s Technical Manager, having previously worked with him as an assistant at Enyimba. The pair enjoyed success together in 2023 when they led the Aba club to their ninth league title.
Olanrewaju arrives in Port Harcourt following his departure from Enyimba last season. He was relieved of his duties after the team struggled in the CAF Confederation Cup, sitting bottom of Group D with only one point from three games.
Despite his exit, Yema remains respected for his tactical discipline and experience. He began his coaching career in 2019 with Magate FC, before serving as assistant at MFM FC, and later took charge of Vandrezzer FC in the Nigeria National League. He also worked with Nigeria’s U17 national team under coach Nduka Ugbade.
Rivers United confirmed the appointment in a club statement on Friday, June 27:
“Rivers United Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju as the new Chief Coach of the club. He replaces Coach Evans Ogenyi and joins our technical crew led by Technical Manager Finidi George.”
With this appointment, Rivers United are looking to strengthen their backroom staff and return to top form both domestically and in continental competitions.
