Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has set his sights on a bold start to the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, declaring that his team will be gunning for a “surprise victory” against defending champions Remo Stars in Friday’s curtain-raiser.
Speaking ahead of the encounter at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena Abeokuta, Finidi admitted the task would be daunting but maintained that the Pride of Rivers are ready to exploit any opportunity.
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“We’re playing the reigning champions, so it will be a tough one. But since they’re playing away from home, we’ll see how we can capitalize on that advantage to pull off a surprise victory,” Finidi told reporters.
Friday’s clash comes with added intrigue given the recent history between both sides.
Rivers United enjoyed the upper hand last season, edging Remo Stars 1–0 in April courtesy of Anthony O’Hayu’s late strike, while also handing them a 3–0 defeat at the Eko International Cup.
Their last meeting, however, ended in a tense goalless draw at the Value Jet Cup.
Overall, the head-to-head record tilts heavily in Rivers United’s favour. From 11 competitive meetings, United boast seven wins, Remo Stars have managed just one a hard-fought victory in May 2024 , while three games have ended in stalemates.
This dominance will give Finidi’s side quiet confidence heading into the new campaign.
Team News & Dynamics
The Sky Blue Stars enter the season as champions but with challenges to navigate.
Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede only recently returned from duty with the Super Eagles B at the 2024 CHAN tournament, meaning his assistant, Sulaiman Kamil, could be in charge for the opener.
Complicating matters further, nine Remo players were part of that CHAN squad and may miss out on Friday’s fixture.
Nonetheless, their transfer activity has been purposeful: the acquisition of Malian duo Chaka Coulibaly and Adama Goita, the return of striker Victor Mbaoma for a third stint, plus the arrivals of goalkeeper Kolimba Alladoum and midfielder Chigozie Chilekwu add depth to their title-defending squad.
Rivers United, who ended the season as a runners-up, with a massive 10 points gap behind the Champions have retooled with a mix of youth and experience. New signings include Ani Ozoemena, John Noble, Nsi Effimi, Rivio Ayemwenre, Anthony Omaka, Seyi Oguntayo, Chinedu Sunday, Azeez Falolu, and Isaac Annor, all expected to push the squad’s competitiveness.
Finidi George has also reunited with long-time ally Yemi Olanrewaju, strengthening the technical bench as Rivers United seek to go one step further this season.
The Expectations
For Rivers United, the opener represents more than just three points.
it’s a chance to send an early statement in the title race and avenge last season’s near miss.
Remo Stars, meanwhile, will be determined to begin their title defence with authority, especially playing at home, though in not in Ikenne where they rarely falter.
With history, pride, and ambition on the line, Friday’s encounter promises to deliver intensity, drama, and a glimpse of what lies ahead in another fiercely contested NPFL campaign.
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