Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George believes his team possesses greater quality than the squad that finished second in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last season.
Finidi made the assessment after Rivers United’s impressive start to the 2026/27 NPFL campaign, with the Port Harcourt club unbeaten after four matches and sitting second on the league table with 10 points.
The Pride of Rivers strengthened their credentials with a commanding 5-0 victory over Kun Khalifat FC in their latest league outing. The result was their third win of the campaign and also provided a response to concerns over the team’s earlier struggles in front of goal.
Salman Abubakar scored twice, while Chijioke Mbaoma, Wasiu Falolu and Ekene Awazie were also on target as Rivers United produced their most convincing attacking performance of the season.
Finidi said the players recruited ahead of the new campaign have improved the overall quality of the squad.
“The players that we signed this season are much better than last season. I have always said the quality in the squad is much better,” the former Super Eagles coach told the club’s media.
According to Finidi, Rivers United’s major challenge previously was converting the chances they created. He pointed to their continental campaign, where missed opportunities contributed to their early exit from the CAF Champions League.
However, the coach believes the team is beginning to overcome that weakness after finding the net consistently in recent matches.
“I know my players can play good football, but converting chances was our problem. We are scoring now, and we hope to continue the same way,” he said.
Rivers United will now turn their attention to their next NPFL assignment away from home against Ranchers Bees on September 27, as Finidi’s side seeks to maintain its unbeaten start and build on the momentum from the Kun Khalifat victory.
