Rivers United have confirmed the appointment of Yemi Olanrewaju as their new Chief Coach, replacing Evans Ogenyi whose contract recently expired. The announcement comes as the Port Harcourt club begins pre‑season preparations under new guidance.
Olanrewaju, 33, arrives fresh from a stint at Enyimba, where he served as interim head coach before being dismissed midway through the season. He has now reunited with Technical Manager Finidi George his former boss at Enyimba and is expected to begin work immediately.
Rivers United concluded last season in second place in the NPFL. With Olanrewaju joining the coaching staff of a title challenger, expectations are high ahead of the new campaign.
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Editorial
We’ve watched Yemi Olanrewaju’s coaching trajectory with keen interest from his rise as Enyimba’s interim head coach to this latest move to Rivers United. Although his departure from Enyimba was abrupt, this fresh appointment presents a chance for redemption and growth.
We believe his reunion with Finidi George is a smart pairing. They have proven chemistry from their time together at Enyimba, and those shared principles could bring cohesion and clarity to Rivers United’s tactical identity. We also feel that Rivers have made a strategic decision.
Olanrewaju brings both youthful ambition and recent top‑flight experience, aligning well with the club’s aim to build on last season’s runner‑up finish. His presence offers both the energy of innovation and the benefit of continuity within the current structure.
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We’re confident that if given the right support, Olanrewaju can flourish. Pre‑season offers the ideal launchpad to embed his ideas, shape the squad, and lay the groundwork for a strong title challenge. We stand behind this appointment: it signals intent, ambition, and a belief in upward momentum. With Olanrewaju at the helm alongside Finidi, Rivers United are sending a clear message – they’re in it to win it.
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Did You Know?
Olanrewaju was sacked by Enyimba in December 2024 after a tough run of form.
He holds a UEFA B coaching licence, gained through a course in .
As a player, he featured for Kwara United, Ocean Boys, and Crown FC before an injury forced an early retirement.
He served as assistant to Finidi George at Enyimba during their 2022–23 NPFL title win.
Rivers United play at the renovated Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, which seats around 40,000 and hosted the NPFL’s 2[nd-placed](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/news/interviews/is-ahmed-musas-unity-cup-call-up-a-game-changer-for-super-eagles/) side last season.