Nigerian football icon Finidi George has a new chapter in his managerial career. Just weeks after resigning as head coach of the national team, the Super Eagles, George has been appointed Technical Manager of Rivers United FC in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
A Return to Club Management
The official announcement came on July 4th, 2024, with Rivers United unveiling George as their new leader. The 53-year-old brings a decorated resume to the club, boasting a successful playing career that spanned over 15 years. As a player, George achieved remarkable feats, including winning the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles in 1994, the prestigious UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995, and most recently, the NPFL title with Enyimba International FC in 2023.
In a statement, Rivers United highlighted George’s qualities that made him the ideal candidate. “We are confident that he will bring his expertise and passion to our club,” the statement reads. “We are excited to have him on board and look forward to a successful tenure under his leadership.” These comments emphasize the club’s faith in George’s ability to lead them to victories.
Short-Lived Tenure with the Super Eagles
George’s time as the Super Eagles head coach was a brief one. He took the helm in June 2024 but resigned after just two games in charge. The team’s disappointing performances in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic ultimately led to his departure. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) subsequently decided to pursue a foreign technical advisor for the national team.
Before his national team stint, George enjoyed a successful spell managing Enyimba, guiding them to their record-ninth NPFL title in the 2023 season. At Rivers United, he replaces interim coach Evans Ogenyi, who stepped in after the dismissal of long-serving Stanley Eguma at the end of the last season.
Interestingly, George has a personal connection to Rivers United. A native of Port Harcourt, the city where the club is based, he began his professional playing career in Nigeria with teams like Calabar Rovers and Iwanyanwu Nationale. He also played for local club Sharks FC, a predecessor to Rivers United formed through a merger in 2016. After his time in Nigeria, George embarked on a successful European career.
Looking Ahead: Can George Revive Rivers United’s Fortunes?
The pressure will be on for George to replicate his past successes at Enyimba. Rivers United finished a disappointing eighth in the 2023/24 NPFL season, far from their title-winning campaign in 2022. George’s experience and leadership qualities will be crucial in turning things around and restoring the club to its former glory.
The coming season will be a test for both George and Rivers United. While George seeks to prove himself as a capable manager outside of the national team spotlight, Rivers United will be hoping his arrival marks the beginning of a new era of success for the club.
Source: Punch
