Finidi bags new job

Finidi George has been appointed as the new head coach of Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Rivers United Football Club.

Rivers United confirmed the appointment of Finidi as its new technical manager in a statement on its X handle on Wednesday.

“Finidi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, having had a distinguished playing career spanning over fifteen years,” the club wrote.

His impressive credentials include winning the African Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles in 1994, the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and the NPFL title with Enyimba in 2023.

Rivers United General Manager, Dr. Okey Kpalukwu, was excited and welcomed Finidi, saying: “We are delighted to have Finidi George join our team.

“His appointment marks a new chapter in our club’s history and we are committed to working together to achieve success.”

Finidi also expressed his gratitude to the club, saying: “I am honored to have this opportunity and I thank the Sports Commissioner, the General Manager and the supporters for their confidence in me.

“I am committed to working hard and making the team win.” Rivers United added that it will officially unveil Finidi at the Sharks Stadium on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

“Please join us in welcoming Finidi George to Rivers United FC. We look forward to a successful season ahead,” the club added.

Finidi resigned as the Super Eagles manager on June 15. He had assisted Jose Peseiro for about 20 months before landing the job on a permanent contract.

Things did not, however, go well for him following the Super Eagles’ failure to win any of their two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches under Finidi.

The Super Eagles continued their highly disappointing run in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

With the team failing to secure their first win in Group C as they lost to Benin, having drawn 1-1 with Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa, their qualification for the World Cup is shaky.