Rivers United head coach Finidi George says his side is ready to take on all challengers in their bid to win the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season.
The Port Harcourt club came close last term, finishing just behind eventual champions Remo Stars after a tense title race that went down to the wire.
Rivers United began their 2025/26 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Remo at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta last Friday.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s meeting with Kwara United, Finidi made clear his team’s ambition.
“We are not afraid of any team this season,” he told the club’s media. “We will play our best football and, hopefully, get the results we deserve.”
The former Super Eagles winger said tough early fixtures will help expose areas of improvement for his squad, adding that Rivers United are determined to go one step further than last season.
Finidi George during his short stint as Super Eagles head coach. Photo Credit: CAF/X
The former Ajax has reinforced his squad with goalkeepers Ani Ozoemena and John Noble, as well as Nsi Effimi, Rivio Ayemwenre, Anthony Omaka, Seyi Oguntayo, Chinedu Sunday and Isaac Annor.
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Finidi has also added Yemi Olanrewaju to his coaching team as assistant.
Fans set for free entry
In a bid to build strong momentum at home, Rivers United have announced that entry for their first home fixture of the season will be free for all fans.
Yemi Olanrewaju and Finidi George are back together after working together at Enyimba international. Photo Credit: Pooja Photos
The match against Kwara United will take place at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday, 31 August, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm.
“We are excited to welcome our fans for our first home game of the season,” a club statement said. “We promise an unforgettable experience.”
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Rivers United have claimed one NPFL title since the 2016 merger of Sharks and Dolphins, lifting the trophy in the 2021/22 season under Stanley Eguma.
Eguma now manages Enyimba International, themselves strong contenders for the crown. Finidi George, meanwhile, already has one league title to his name, having guided Enyimba to glory in his debut season in 2023.
