CAFCL: Awazie, Obot Lead Wave of New Signings to Rivers United
Finidi George’s side have added a string of experienced NPFL players as they build a squad capable of competing on both domestic and continental fronts.
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Rivers United continue to strengthen their squad with quality, experienced additions ahead of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign, with former Enyimba captain Ekene Awazie and dead-ball specialist Imo Obot among the latest arrivals.
Awazie, a former Enyimba winger, and Obot, previously of Abia Warriors and a past Super Eagles invitee, have both linked up with Finidi George’s squad. They are joined by defensive midfielder Salman Abubakar, who plied his trade with Kano Pillars last season and has now completed his move to the Pride of Rivers.
Several more new faces have also arrived: defender Innocent Gabriel, formerly of Abia Warriors; Kano Pillars defensive stalwart Muktar Mohammed; Plateau United midfielder Chinechem Ugueze; relegated Bayelsa United left-back Ubong Williams; and midfielder Alex Oyowah, who rejoins Rivers United after two seasons at Remo Stars.
The new arrivals have already started training with the 2025/26 NPFL runners up at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa, near Port Harcourt. Club head of media Charles Mayuku confirmed to Complete Sports that an official statement on the new signings would follow soon.
New Arrivals at Rivers United
Ekene Awazie (from Enyimba), Imo Obot (from Abia Warriors), Salman Abubakar (from Kano Pillars), Innocent Gabriel (from Abia Warriors), Muktar Mohammed (from Kano Pillars), Chinechem Ugueze (from Plateau United), Ubong Williams (from Bayelsa United), Alex Oyowah (from Remo Stars)
Did You Know?
- Rivers United finished as runners-up in the 2025/26 NPFL season.
- The club will compete in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
- Finidi George is Rivers United’s current head coach.
- Ekene Awazie previously captained NPFL giants Enyimba.
- Alex Oyowah rejoins Rivers United after two seasons at Remo Stars.
- Bayelsa United, one of the clubs several new signings are arriving from, were relegated from the NPFL last season.
- Rivers United train at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa, near Port Harcourt.
