NPFL: Finidi George points to the “surprise victory” in Abeokuta as Rivers United Face Stars in the first game of the season

Rivers -based coach United, Finidi George, has set his look at a bold start for the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Season, declaring that your team will be shooting for a “surprise victory” against the Remo Stars defenders in Friday’s curtain collection.

Speaking before the match at the Mko Abiola Sports Arena Abeokuta, Finidi admitted that the task would be discouraging, but maintained that the pride of the rivers is ready to exploit any opportunity.

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“We are playing the reigning champions, so it will be difficult. But since they are playing away from home, we will see how we can capitalize on that advantage to achieve a surprise victory,” Finidi told journalists.

Friday’s clash comes with an additional intrigue given recent history between both sides.

Rivers United enjoyed the top of the last season, surpassing Relo Stars 1–0 in April courtesy of the late strike of Anthony O’Hayu, while giving them a 3-0 defeat in the Eko International Cup.

However, his last meeting ended in a tense tie without goals in the Value Jet Cup.

In general, the head to face is strongly leaning in favor of Rivers United. From 11 competitive meetings, United has seven victories, Remo Stars has achieved only a very close victory in May 2024, while three games have ended in Stalemates.

This domain will give you a quiet confidence in the new campaign.

Team news and dynamics

Sky Blue stars enter the season as champions but with challenges to navigate.

Chief coach Daniel Ogunmodede recently returned from service with the Super Eagles B in the Chan 2024 tournament, which means that his assistant, Sulaiman Kamil, could be in charge of the first game.

To further complicate things, nine rowing players were part of that Chan team and can be lost in Friday’s game.

However, its transfer activity has been useful: the acquisition of the Malian duo Chaka Coulibly and Adama Goita, the return of the striker Victor Mbaoma for a third period, in addition to the arrivals of goalkeeper Kolimba Alladoum and fieldmate Chigozie Chilekwu add depth to his defense team for the title.

Rivers United, who finished the season as a runner -up, with a mass gap of 10 points behind the champions has restructured with a mixture of young people and experience. The new signings include Ani Ozoemena, John Noble, NSI EFFIMI, Rivio Ayemwenre, Anthony Omaka, Seyi Oguntayo, Chinedu Sunday, Azeez Falolu and Isaac Annor, all hoped to boost the competitiveness of the squad.

Finidi George has also met with the former ally Yemi Olanrewaju, strengthening the Technical Bank when Rivers United seeks to go one step beyond this season.

Expectations

For Rivers United, the starter represents more than three points.

It is an opportunity to send an early statement in the race for the title and take revenge on the bankrupt last season.

Meanwhile, the Rebro stars will be determined to begin their defense of the title with authority, especially playing at home, although not in Ikenne, where they rarely hesitate.

With history, pride and ambition on the line, Friday’s encounter promises to offer intensity, drama and a look at what is coming in another fiercely disputed NPFL campaign.

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