Former Nigerian international, coach and Ajax winger, Finidi George, has officially begun his tenure as head coach of Rivers United, taking charge of his first training session at the Garden City Sports Complex on Monday.
The 53-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) club, with an option for an additional year.
Finidi’s appointment comes on the back of a disappointing eighth-place finish for Rivers United in the NPFL last season. The experienced coach will be looking to draw on his wealth of experience, having previously managed two-time African champions Enyimba to a title win in the 2022/23 season.
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During his three-year stint at Enyimba, Finidi demonstrated his ability to build a successful team, and Rivers United will be hoping for a similar impact.
The Port Harcourt-based club has struggled in recent times, but Finidi’s arrival is expected to bring a fresh perspective and a winning mentality. Finidi’s first training session saw him put the players through their paces, assessing their fitness and tactical awareness. The coach will be looking to build a strong team dynamic and identify areas for improvement ahead of the new season.
The NPFL is one of the most competitive leagues in African football, and Rivers United will face stiff competition from the likes of Enyimba, Rangers, and Kano Pillars. However, with Finidi at the helm, the club will be hoping to challenge for honors and return to the top tier of Nigerian football.
Finidi George recently resigned as head coach of the Super Eagles after just four matches in charge.
The NPFL transfer market is heating up, with reports of a shock move by Manchester United to sign a Chelsea star as competition for Luke Shaw. The transfer window is expected to be busy, with several NPFL clubs looking to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.
