Rivers United coach, Finidi George, has charged his players to brace up for the challenges ahead as the Port Harcourt-based club kicks off preparations for the 2025-2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The former Super Eagles gaffer welcomed 25 players back to camp on Monday for the first pre-season training session at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, according to an update from the club.
The training marks the beginning of what promises to be a critical campaign both domestically and continentally, with Rivers United set to compete in the CAF Champions League following their second-place finish last season.
“I welcome you back from the offseason break. Now it’s time to get ourselves ready for the task ahead. Welcome back,” Finidi said, urging his players to hit the ground running as the August 22 league kickoff date approaches.
In his debut season at Rivers United, Finidi guided the club to a commendable second-place finish with 64 points, seven behind champions Remo Stars, earning them a spot in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
Reflecting on the past campaign, Finidi noted: “We will go back and be happy about how the season went. It’s not a bad season from what we have done… but we will come back stronger next season.”
Rivers United are expected to play a series of friendly matches in the coming weeks as they fine-tune preparations. The club is also expected to announce new signings to strengthen the squad for the double-front challenge.
Meanwhile, former champions Enyimba have fixed Friday, June 20, for the resumption of their pre-season training in Aba.
The training will begin at 7:30 am at the Enyimba International Stadium, as confirmed by the club’s Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme.
Recall that Enyimba missed out on continental football last season after finishing sixth with 55 points.
In youth football, Kwara United’s youth team coach, Jimoh Abdulkadir, has expressed confidence ahead of the National Youth League Super Eight competition scheduled to begin on June 23 in Lagos.
“We are ready for the competition and going to Lagos to conquer,” he told the club’s media, as the Harmony Boys gear up to face Kano Pillars, Enyimba, and Plateau United in Group A.
Note that the 2025-2026 NPFL season officially begins on Friday, August 22, 2025.
The post Finidi George Rallies Rivers United As NPFL Clubs Begin Preparations For 2025/26 Season appeared first on Naija News.