Nigeria National League side Godswill Akpabio United are set to appoint Edward Green as their new head coach following the departure of Lawrence Kingsley after the 2025/26 season, The Athletic NG exclusively understands.
The club is expected to formally unveil Green on Friday, July 31, after completing the final stages of the appointment. He is expected to sign a two-year contract, with the club entrusting him to lead a long-term rebuild after another disappointing campaign.
Green’s appointment represents a significant gamble by Godswill Akpabio United. Despite earning a strong reputation as one of Nigeria’s brightest tactical coaches, the role will be his first as head coach of a professional football club. The decision reflects the club’s belief that his work as an assistant coach can translate into success in the top job.
The coaching change follows another difficult season for the Uyo-based side. Godswill Akpabio United finished seventh in Group B of the Nigeria National League during the 2025/26 campaign, prompting Lawrence Kingsley to step down at the end of the season as the club looked for a new direction.
Sources with knowledge of the process told The Athletic NG that Green met with the club’s management on Tuesday to finalise the move. The meeting was attended by the club’s chairman, Her Excellency Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, who approved the appointment ahead of the planned unveiling later this week.
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Although this will be his first senior managerial role, Green arrives with an impressive coaching resume. He is widely regarded as one of the most respected indigenous tactical coaches in the Nigeria Premier Football League and is among the few Nigerian coaches to hold a UEFA C coaching licence.
Green started his career with Ikot Ekpene United before spending five years with Akwa United, where he served as assistant manager under Deji Ayeni. During that period, he was part of the coaching staff that guided the club to its historic 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League title under Kennedy Boboye. He also led the club’s Under-15 side at the La Liga Youth Tournament, further strengthening his reputation for youth development.
Edward Green (Image credit: The Athletic Images)
In September 2023, Green joined newly promoted Sporting Lagos as assistant coach to Paul Offor. The coaching staff received widespread praise for implementing an attractive, possession-based style of play that earned recognition despite the club’s challenging campaign.
A year later, Green moved to Rivers United to work under former Super Eagles head coach Finidi George. He served as assistant manager throughout the 2025/26 season as Rivers United finished runners-up to Rangers International in the Nigeria Premier Football League. He was also part of the technical crew during the club’s CAF Champions League campaign in the last two seasons, adding continental experience to his coaching background.
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Godswill Akpabio United believe those experiences have prepared Green for the next step in his career. The Athletic NG understands that club officials want him to establish a clear football identity while building a competitive squad capable of challenging for promotion in the coming seasons.
Kingsley’s departure and Green’s expected arrival signal the beginning of a new project at the club rather than a short-term fix. While immediate improvement will be expected, sources indicate that the club’s hierarchy are focused on creating a sustainable football structure under the incoming coach.
Green’s unveiling on Friday is expected to mark the official start of that project. With the chairman’s approval secured and contractual details nearing completion, the highly rated coach is set to take charge of a professional club for the first time, with Godswill Akpabio United placing their faith in one of Nigerian football’s most highly regarded young coaches.
