Rivers United have taken a bold step towards reshaping their technical direction by naming Yemi “Yema” Olanrewaju as their new Chief Coach.
The appointment, confirmed on the club’s official social media pages, signals a new era for the Pride of Rivers following the end of Evans Ogenyi’s tenure.
Yema will work under the guidance of Nigerian football icon Finidi George, who currently serves as the club’s Technical Manager.
This move reunites the duo, whose partnership previously flourished at Enyimba FC, where they led the Aba giants to a record-breaking ninth Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title in the 2022/23 season.
Although relatively young in coaching years, Yema has steadily built a reputation for tactical clarity and development-focused leadership. His coaching career began with third-tier side Magate FC in 2019, before taking assistant roles at MFM FC and Nigeria’s U-17 national team.
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His stock rose further in 2022 when he joined Enyimba as Finidi’s assistant, helping to reestablish the club’s domestic dominance. And when Finidi was appointed Super Eagles head coach in May 2024, Yema took over as interim boss. He impressed enough to be handed the permanent job in August.
A coach with vision, structure, and youth-focused flair
Even while managing top-flight pressure, Yema pursued his UEFA coaching badges, obtaining a C licence and now progressing to a UEFA B certification.
Moreover, Yema’s style is defined by structured play from the back, bold attacking transitions, and strong faith in youth talent. As Rivers United chase top honours in the NPFL, his presence will definitely inject fresh energy into their campaign.
With ambition in the dugout and a hunger for silverware, Rivers United are backing Yema to transform the club’s identity. Backed by Finidi and fuelled by promise, his journey at the Port Harcourt side begins with optimism and intent.
Tags: Yemi Olanrewaju, Yema, Rivers United, Finidi George, Super Eagles, #SoarSuperEagles, #NPFL25, #NPFL26, Magate FC, Enyimba, MFM FC, UEFA B certification, UEFA C license.
