Rivers United have officially welcomed one of Nigeria’s brightest young tacticians, Yemi Olanrewaju, as their new chief coach—marking a reunion with former colleague and NPFL title-winning partner, Finidi George.
The appointment, announced on Friday, follows the departure of Coach Evans Ogenyi, whose contract with the club expired at the end of the 2024/25 season. Olanrewaju, affectionately known as “Yema,” is stepping into the role with high expectations and a strong pedigree—especially given his history of success alongside Finidi.
A Proven Partnership Reignited
This isn’t the first time Olanrewaju and Finidi have teamed up. The duo famously delivered Enyimba’s record-extending ninth NPFL title in 2023, combining Finidi’s leadership and Olanrewaju’s tactical brilliance in a partnership that turned heads across the league.
Finidi had initially brought Olanrewaju on board as his assistant at Enyimba in 2022. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their collective vision led to a dominant campaign characterized by structured defense and fluid attacking football.
Now reunited at Rivers United, the two will look to recreate that magic—this time in Port Harcourt, where the club has its eyes firmly set on NPFL glory and CAF Champions League success.
From Enyimba Highs to a New Challenge
After Finidi left Enyimba in 2024 to take charge of the Super Eagles, Olanrewaju briefly assumed the head coach role at the Aba-based club. Under his stewardship, Enyimba made a strong start to the 2024/25 NPFL season and secured a CAF Confederation Cup spot. However, a dip in form that led to a nine-game winless run saw his tenure come to an early end, with football icon Nwankwo Kanu making the call to part ways with him.
Despite the setback, Olanrewaju’s stock remained high. His reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising coaching minds only grew stronger when he earned his UEFA B coaching license in Scotland—demonstrating his commitment to professional growth and modern football methods.
A New Chapter at the Pride of Rivers
At just 32, Olanrewaju now becomes the youngest chief coach in the NPFL. His arrival at Rivers United is being seen as a strategic move to bolster the club’s ambitions, especially after a successful 2024/25 season that saw them finish second in the league and qualify for the CAF Champions League.
He now joins a technical team led by Finidi George, who himself returned to club football following a short-lived spell with the Super Eagles. Together, the duo will lead Rivers United into the 2025/26 season, which kicks off on August 22, with eyes firmly on silverware both domestically and on the continent.
What’s Next for Rivers United?
With a high-caliber coaching team in place, Rivers United fans have every reason to be excited. The combination of Finidi’s experience and Yema’s tactical innovation creates a perfect storm for a club that is clearly not settling for second best.
As pre-season preparations intensify, all eyes will be on how the Finidi-Yema dynamic plays out in a new environment. If history is anything to go by, Rivers United may just be on the brink of a golden era.
Welcome to Port Harcourt, Yema. The Pride of Rivers is ready for takeoff.
