Finidi targets treble as Rivers United begin pre-season

*Rivers State axe Rivers Angels management

Rivers United began pre-season training on Monday at the Garden City Sports Centre, Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, with Technical Manager Finidi George overseeing the opening session.

General Manager Chief Dr. Okey Kpalukwu welcomed returning and newly recruited players, urging the squad to maintain focus and follow the instructions of the technical staff throughout the pre-season programme.

Rivers United face a demanding campaign in which they will compete in the CAF Champions League, the Nigeria Premier Football League and the President Federation Cup.

“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 said.

The club said further information on pre-season fixtures and squad developments would be announced in due course.

In a related development  from Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Government has dissolved the entire management, technical crew and staff of Rivers Angels Football Club with immediate effect, citing non-performance and lack of seriousness.

The decision was conveyed in a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Emmanuel Ndah.

Rivers Angels endured a difficult 2025/26 season, claiming just one victory across the NWFL Premiership Super Six in Port Harcourt to finish fifth. The club has not won the league title since 2021 and also exited the President Federation Cup at the quarter-final stage, losing to FC Robo Queens.

Despite their recent decline, Rivers Angels remain one of Nigeria’s most decorated women’s football clubs, with seven NWFL titles and 10 President Federation Cup triumphs. The club represented Nigeria at the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt in 2021, though they were eliminated at the group stage.