NIGERIA Premier Football League side Rivers United have denied reports linking former Enyimba and Super Eagles coach Finidi George as well as ex-Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo to the club.
Following the dismissal of long-serving coach Stanley Eguma last season, the 2022 NPFL champions were guided until the end of the season by head coach Evans Ogenyi, but rumours about Finidi and Amapakabo taking charge at the Port Harcourt side have been rife recently.
In the wake of the speculations, as well as other rumours revolving around the transfer of some of their players, media officer of the team, Charles Mayuku, described the reports as “baseless.”
“We have heard of Finidi George, we have heard of Imama Amapakabo, in fact we will soon hear of Jose Mourinho. Those are just rumours and as a matter of fact we are resuming training ahead of next season on Wednesday,” Mayuku told PUNCH Sports Extra.
Mayuku also confirmed that the transfer of midfielder Augustine Okejepha to Tanzanian giants Simba SC was the only deal completed by the club, while Deputy Echeta, whose exit has also been rumoured, is still on contract.
“That was the same way they said we rejected $150,000 for Andy Okpe. Why are we going to reject that kind of money? It’s normal for players to want to leave but the process has to be followed for players like Deputy. He still has a contract, so he can’t just jump ship to any club unless Rivers United decide to sell,” Mayuku said.
“At the moment we have 13 players who are out of contract, including Nyima Nwagua, Kazie Enyinnaya, Victor Sochima, Abiodun Akande and the club is renegotiating with them ahead of our resumption on Wednesday.
“We have retained 24 players, including five promoted from our U-17 side.”
Meanwhile, out of contract goalkeeper Sochima confirmed his exit from the club on Monday after spending three years with them.
“I needed wings to fly and you provided. It was a splendid time in the blue and white colours. Restoring the club to history with a trophy and flying the country’s flag on the continent. I will cherish every moment. Thank you Rivers United,” Sochima posted on X.
Rivers United played in the CAF Confederation Cup last season but couldn’t go past the quarter-finals stage.
They also finished eighth in the NPFL with 53 points.
