The standard has been set, and the hard work has officially begun for Rivers United.
Just weeks after a grueling domestic campaign, the Pride of Rivers officially roared back to life on Monday, June 29, 2026, holding their first preseason training session at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The session marked the formal return to the pitch following the reopening of the club’s facilities on Sunday.
Supervising the intense initial session was head coach Finidi George, alongside his technical crew, who are tasked with navigating a highly anticipated and demanding season.
Three Fronts, One Massive Goal
Rivers United will once again enter the 2026/2027 football season with one of the most packed schedules in Nigerian football.
Having finished agonisingly close to the league crown last term, they have earned the right to test themselves against the continent’s best.
Finidi George’s men will be challenging for honors on three distinct fronts:
- The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)
- The CAF Champions League
- The President Federation Cup
Reflecting on the task ahead, Finidi outlined his immediate expectations for this crucial opening phase of the campaign.
“The early period of pre-season will be focused on building fitness levels, establishing tactical cohesion, and integrating our new signings into the squad. With the demands of continental football, we must prepare thoroughly from the outset.” — Finidi George.
Ricers United: Fresh Faces and Familiar Columns
A major talking point surrounding the first training session was the drastically evolving shape of the locker room.
Rumors indicate that as many as 20 senior players exited the club at the expiration of the 2025/2026 season, prompting a deliberate and tactical rebuild by management.
Fans tracking the session were treated to a glimpse of both the club’s future and its trusted foundation.
Despite the massive squad overhaul, the opening training session provided an exciting glimpse into Rivers United’s new-look roster.
Among the fresh faces carrying the weight of expectation are summer signings Shehu Dabai and Clinton Ezekiel.
Dabai, an exciting winger signed from Niger Tornadoes, is expected to add injection-like pace and creativity to the flanks, while Ezekiel arrives with high expectations as a goalkeeper capable of keeping clean sheets.
To balance out the new arrivals, several key pillars from last season’s squad were also out on the grass to establish continuity.
Returning players Ogechukwu Ogwu and Iyowuna Douglas were both spotted as they remain a vital part of the team’s domestic and continental ambitions.
The squad also boasts the presence of Ochobi Elias, the newly capped Super Eagles international, during the session and is expected to be central to Finidi George’s tactical blueprint for the grueling campaign ahead.
With the foundation now laid on day one, the Pride of Rivers are expected to announce further pre-season fixtures and incoming squad developments in the coming weeks.