Rivers United kicked off their pre-season on Monday at the Garden City Sports Centre, Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, with Technical Manager Finidi George leading the opening session.
General Manager Chief Dr. Okey Kpalukwu welcomed both returning players and new recruits, stressing the need for discipline and concentration as the squad goes through the programme, and urging everyone to stick to the guidance of the technical team.
Rivers United have a demanding year ahead, with commitments that include the CAF Champions League, the Nigeria Premier Football League and the President Federation Cup.
Finidi said the early phase of pre-season will be geared towards raising fitness levels, sharpening tactical understanding and bedding in the club’s new signings. He added that, given the intensity of continental competition, the team must prepare properly from the start.
The club also indicated that additional updates on pre-season fixtures and further squad developments will be communicated at a later date.
In a separate development from Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Government has dissolved the full management, technical staff and other personnel of Rivers Angels Football Club with immediate effect, citing poor results and a perceived lack of seriousness.
The move was communicated in a letter signed by Emmanuel Ndah, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports.
Rivers Angels had a tough 2025/26 campaign, winning only one match during the NWFL Premiership Super Six in Port Harcourt and finishing fifth. The club have not lifted the league title since 2021, and they were also knocked out of the President Federation Cup at the quarter-final stage, falling to FC Robo Queens.
Despite their recent downturn, Rivers Angels remain among Nigeria’s most successful women’s teams, having won seven NWFL titles and secured 10 President Federation Cup trophies. They represented Nigeria at the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt in 2021, but were eliminated at the group stage.
