Rivers United have confirmed the appointment of Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju as the club’s new Chief Coach.
The former Enyimba manager replaces Evans Ogenyi, whose contract with the Pride of Rivers expired after the 2024/25 season.
Olanrewaju, widely known as Yema, reunites with Technical Manager Finidi George at Rivers United, having previously served as his assistant at Enyimba.
Yema arrives in Port Harcourt after parting ways with Enyimba last season.
He was dismissed amid a challenging spell that saw the two-time African champions sit bottom of Group D in the CAF Confederation Cup with just one point from three games.
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Domestically, the team had recorded five wins, eight draws, and two losses in 15 NPFL matches at the time of his exit.
Yemi “Yema” Olanrewaju during his time at Enyimba. Photo Credit: X
Despite his Enyimba departure, Olanrewaju brings a wealth of coaching experience and a reputation for tactical discipline.
His managerial journey began in 2019 with Magate FC in Nigeria’s third tier, before joining MFM FC as assistant coach to Tony Bolus later that year.
He later held roles as assistant coach of Nigeria’s U17 national team under Nduka Ugbade and as head coach of Vandrezzer FC in the Nigeria National League.
In 2022, Finidi George brought Yema to Enyimba as his assistant. Together, they guided the Aba Elephants to their record-extending ninth NPFL title in 2023.
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When Finidi departed in May 2024 to become head coach of the Nigeria senior national team, Olanrewaju stepped in as interim head coach and was later confirmed in the role permanently in August.
He now joins Rivers United as part of a restructured technical team ahead of the new season.
